Girl scarred for life in hotel pool fall is awarded €21k

A six-year-old girl, who was left scarred for life after she cut her chin in a hotel swimming pool, has been awarded €21,000 damages in the Circuit Civil Court.

Counsel John Scott told the court that in October 2014, Emma Olteanu had been swimming with her father Marius Olteanu at the Clarion Hotel in Clondalkin, Dublin, when the incident happened.

Circuit Court president Mr Justice Raymond Groarke heard Emma had been wearing non-slip swimming socks but had tripped on the sharp edge of a mat inside the pool, falling and cutting her chin.

Mr Scott yesterday told the court Emma had been taken to the emergency department at Adelaide and Meath Hospital, Tallaght, where her wound was stitched.

Counsel said Emma had recovered well but the wound had left a permanent 2cm scar under her chin. Through her father Marius, she sued Kingsoak Taverns Ltd, which trades as Clarion Hotels. The court heard Emma, of Adamstown Way, Lucan, Co Dublin, was self-conscious of her scar.

Mr Scott told the judge the defendant had made a €21,000 settlement offer and he was happy to recommend acceptance of it to the court. Judge Groarke approved it.