Kery boy knocked off bicycle awarded €19k in damages

A boy has been awarded €19,751 after sustaining bruising and grazing and psychological damage when he was knocked off his bicycle three years ago.

Patrick O’Brien, now aged 11, is suing through his mother Helen O’Brien, of 122 Ballyspillane, Killarney.

On June 1, 2012, Patrick was cycling at or near the entrance to Ballycasheen Heights, Ballyspillane, when a car, driven by Jelena Dolgopolova, collided with the bike, “and he was knocked off his bike”, his barrister Katie O’Connell outlined.

The boy, who was eight at the time, attended his GP a number of times. He had bruises and grazing on his arms and legs, and had suffered headaches and bedwetting. There were no fractures. He also sustained moderate psychological injuries and post traumatic headaches, Ms O’Connell said at the Circuit Civil Court in Killarney, yesterday. He still had dreams and was fearful on the road.

He was examined by the Injuries Board doctor and had suffered no residual physical scars.

The board assessed injuries in the sum of €18,000 general damages and €1,571 in fees and expenses and special damages.

Judge James O’Donohoe acceded to Ms O’Connell’s request to pay out €1,500 to get the child something for Christmas. The remainder is to be put in trust.