€10,000 award after girl’s finger lacerated

A nine-year-old schoolgirl, who lacerated her left index finger in Debenhams’ café in Henry Street, Dublin, has been awarded €10,000 damages in the Circuit Civil Court.

Barrister Bernadette Kirby told the court that in March 2011 Naoise Walsh was removing a drink from a fridge when her finger became trapped in a metal grill. Ms Kirby said Naoise cut her finger as she removed it from the grill. She had been taken by ambulance to Temple Street Children’s Hospital where the wound was dressed.

Circuit Court President Mr Justice Raymond Groarke heard Naoise attended the hospital the following day for an examination under general anaesthetic. No tendon damage had been found.

Through her mother, Amy Walsh, of Huband Road, Bluebell, Dublin, Naoise sued Debenhams Retail Ireland Ltd.

Judge Groarke approved a settlement offer by Debenhams of €10,000.