Child who suffered bump to head in creche fall settles case for €40,000

It was claimed girl, then three years old, tripped on a mat flooring tile and struck her head on the corner of wooden decking

In the proceedings, it was claimed there was an alleged failure to keep and maintain the property and an alleged failure to remove all allegedly dangerous and harmful material from the vicinity. 

A child who, it was claimed, tripped and fell at a creche, suffering a bump to her forehead, has settled a High Court action for €40,000.

Doireann Collins was three years old at the time of the accident eight years ago, when it was claimed she tripped on a mat flooring tile and struck her head on the corner of wooden decking.

Doireann Collins, now aged 11 years, of Rochestown Avenue, Dún Laoghaire, Dublin, had through her father Shane Collins, sued Park Academy Ltd, with registered offices at The Park, Cabinteely, Dublin, over the accident eight years ago at the Park Academy Childcare, Bray premises, at Southern Cross Road, Bray, Co Wicklow.

It was claimed the child tripped on June 15, 2017, and fell on an alleged unsecured mat flooring tile and she struck her head on the corner of wooden decking. 

In the proceedings, it was claimed there was an alleged failure to keep and maintain the property and an alleged failure to remove all allegedly dangerous and harmful material from the vicinity. 

It was further claimed there was an alleged failure to provide safe and proper pathways and safe areas for the children to play. 

It was further contended there was an alleged failure to have proper regard for the safety of the child. 

All of the claims were denied. 

It was claimed the child suffered a substantial and noticeable bump on her forehead and an ice pack was applied. She was then brought to a medical centre, where an abrasion with soft tissue swelling was noted. There was no loss of consciousness and the little girl was discharged with precautionary head injury instructions.

In the days after, the little girl presented as uncomfortable, upset and distressed, but she made a full recovery. 

Ms Justice Nuala Jackson approved the settlement.