Boy whose teeth were fractured during scout trip settles case for €75k

Noah Laird was only seven years of age when he was accidentally hit in the mouth by another scout who was throwing stones into the sea

It was claimed that while under the supervision, care, control and management of Scouting Services Ireland, the boy was caused to be struck on the face by a rock which was in the process of being thrown by a fellow scout. File picture: RTÉ

A scout who ended up with fractured teeth after another scout who was throwing stones into the sea accidentally hit him in the mouth has settled a High Court action for €75.000.

Noah Laird was only seven years of age and gathering with other scouts to go on a trip, the High Court heard, when the accident happened at the estuary at Donabate, Dublin.

His counsel, Jonathan Kilfeather SC, told the court another scout was throwing stones into the water and put his hand back to throw another stone and connected with Noah.

Counsel said the boy suffered a significant dental injury with three fractured teeth with one fracture going into the root and has, since the accident eight years ago, had complex dental work.

Noah Laird, now age 15 years, of Donabate, Dublin, had through his mother Susan Laird sued Scouting Services Ireland CLG with registered offices at Larch Hill, Dublin, over the accident on September 18, 2017.

Complainant's claims

It was claimed that while under the supervision, care, control and management of Scouting Services Ireland, the boy was caused to be struck on the face by a rock which was in the process of being thrown by a fellow scout.

In the proceedings it was claimed there was an alleged failure to supervise the group of scouts, including the boy, adequately or at all and a failure to protect him. It was also claimed that scouts had been allegedly allowed to throw stones and to engage in alleged dangerous behaviour.

It was further contended there was an alleged failure to intervene in a timely fashion or at all. It was also claimed that there was an alleged failure to ensure there was an adequate number of staff present to ensure in so far as reasonably practicable the safety, health and welfare of the boy.

All of the claims were denied. Counsel told the court that liability was problematic in the case.

Approving the settlement, Mr Justice Paul Coffey noted the situation in relation to liability and said the incident was something that could have happened even under the watchful eye of a careful parent. He said if it went to trial there was a risk the case would be lost.

He wished Noah all the best for the future.