Court approves €11.5m compensation for boy injured in car accident

The High Court has approved an €11.5m personal injuries settlement to a 10-year-old boy who suffered catastrophic injuries in a car accident, the largest in Irish legal history.

In June 2008, then six-year-old Cullen Kennedy from Loughrea, Co Galway was being driven to school by his mother Margaret when she suffered a momentary lapse of concentration and veered head -on into another vehicle.

He hit the windscreen and suffered an acute spinal injury that has left him quadriplegic and in need of 24-hour care for the rest of his life.

He still attends a mainstream school and is described as a bright and enthusiastic student

His mother was not insured and today's settlement has been made with the Motor Insurers Bureau of Ireland.

Solicitor Ian Foley spoke outside court on the family's behalf.

"We would like to pay personal tribute to Cullen who is an inspiring and very brave boy," Mr Foley said.

"No amount of money could compensate for the very horrific injuries he has suffered."

The money will be lodged in court to be managed for Cullen's benefit.