European court to probe refusal to pay car crash compo

THE State’s refusal to pay out compensation to the family of a Dublin teenager killed while travelling on the floor of a car driven by an uninsured motorist is to be examined by Europe’s highest court.

The European Court of Justice (ECJ) will next month hear a case referred to it by the High Court in Dublin in which the mother of a road accident victim is suing the driver of the car, the Motor Insurers’ Bureau of Ireland and the State.

Elaine Farrell is seeking compensation following the death of her daughter, Ann Marie, in an accident at Fortunestown Lane, Tallaght on January 26, 1996, which was caused by motorist, Alan Whitty.