Girl left with significant dental and facial injuries after being knocked down settles for €90k

The court heard that the eight-year-old suffered multiple facial fractures and dental trauma, including a tooth embedded in her gum and other teeth missing

The High Court heard that the little girl up until 2021 had 29 appointments at the Dental University Hospital

A young girl who was knocked down on a city street and ended up with significant dental and facial injuries has settled a High Court action for €90,000.

Jayda Rose Kane Mooney was only eight years old when she suffered multiple facial fractures and dental trauma, including a tooth embedded in her gum and other teeth missing after the accident in the Liberties area of Dublin city.

Her counsel, Finbarr Fox SC instructed by Ferrys Solicitors, told the court that the little girl was put in the air by the impact and the car had hit her hard.

Counsel said the young girl, who had thought she had a green light in her favour, had run out when she should not have and it was their case that the driver was not keeping a lookout when he should have. 

Counsel said their side contended there was an unobstructed view, but the driver failed to see the girl and was allegedly not having a proper look out. Counsel said there was no crossing at the point where the accident happened at the junction of Thomas Street and Oliver Bond Hill and no green light.

Jayda Rose Kane Mooney (now aged 13 years) of Thomas Court, Thomas Street, Pimlico, Dublin, had through her grandmother Breda Mooney sued the driver of the car Paul Redmond of Portarlington, Co Laois, over the accident at the junction of Thomas Street and Oliver Bond Hill in Dublin city on May 3, 2018.

It was claimed there was an alleged failure to drive with due care and attention and an alleged failure to have regard for the safety of another person using the roadway. 

It was further claimed there was an alleged failure to slow down, brake or take any other evasive action or otherwise manoeuvre the vehicle so as to avoid colliding with the pedestrian. The claims were denied.

Approving the settlement, which included €75,000 in general damages and €15,000 in special damages, Mr Justice Michael O’Higgins remarked that the little girl up until 2021 had 29 appointments at the Dental University Hospital.