€16k for child who sued his mother

A sum of €16,000 has been approved for a child who sued his mother after she put her car into the wrong gear and hit a wall.

The child suffered “a psychological reaction” after his mother hit a wall when she accidentally put the car into first gear instead of reverse, the Circuit Civil Court in Killarney was told.

Michael O’Donovan, now aged 8, suing through his father Michael O’Donovan Sr, of 36 Deerpark Crescent, Killarney, was in a booster seat in his mother Vera O’Donovan’s car on November 14, 2009. He was aged 3 at the time and his mother was parked in a car park.

“She accidentally engaged first gear and crashed into the wall in front of her,” said Michael Collins, the plaintiff’s barrister, instructed by Brendan Bradley solicitor.

The child suffered minor soft tissue injury to his forehead but there had been “a psychological reaction”.

Initially he was given Calpol. Medical reports handed into court included a report from an educational psychologist.

The child underwent play-therapy as recommended by the psychologist and as a result he improved greatly.

His psychological reaction had cleared in a year and he no longer suffered nightmares, Mr Collins said.

The Personal Injuries Assessment Board had recommended proceedings and a personal injuries summons was issued against Vera O’Donovan.

Mr Collins told the court said Ms O’Donovan’s indemnifier had made an offer of €16,000 and the court was being asked to approve this.

Judge James O’Donohoe approved the offer and said that it was “a very good settlement”.