€25k for girl hit while chasing dog

An eight-year-old girl, who was knocked down by a car as she ran across a road after her dog, has been awarded €25,000 damages in the Circuit Civil Court.

Katelynn Barrett had run across Canal Rd, Portarlington, Co Laois, to catch her dog.

She thought it was about to be injured or killed.

Fran Rooney, counsel for Katelynn, of Raheen Park, Ballyfermot, Dublin, said that in 2011, Katelynn had been visiting family friends in Portarlington, with her mother, Susan Barret, when the accident happened.

He said Katelynn, who will be 13 on July 31, had not seen the car of Bridget Mitchell, of Annamoe, Portalington, approaching and was knocked down.

Mr Rooney told the circuit court president, Mr Justice Raymond Groarke, that there could be a problem on liability if the defendant’s insurers contested the case.

He said the defendant’s insurer had indicated they would claim there was a liability issue, on the basis that Katelynn had run onto the road after her dog and that Ms Mitchell did not have time to react.

Mr Rooney told the court a settlement offer of €25,000 had been made to Katelynn, who sued the defendant through her mother, Susan, and he was recommending that the court approve the offer.

He said Katelynn had suffered a fracture to her left wrist, a cut to her lower lip, and abrasions to her face and chin, and cuts to her ankles and right knee.

There had been no question of scarring.

Katelynn had been taken to the fracture clinic at Midlands General Hospital, where she had been treated for her injuries.

She had suffered pain in her left wrist for four months and it had remained weak for some time afterwards.

Judge Groarke, approving the €25,000 settlement, said there was a serious issue on liability, according to statements made by a garda and an independent witness.

“This is a good offer, as Katelynn was fine after four months and had made a full recovery. It would be reckless of me to refuse the offer,” he said.