Wicklow boy struck and dragged by uninsured driver awarded 45,000 settlement

A Wicklow Circuit Civil Court approved an infant settlement for a minor injured when an uninsured driver struck him while he was playing on a skateboard. The court considered whether the proposed settlement was fair and in the child’s best interests. The initial damages offer was €40,000, including €300 for hospital expenses and €887 for legal and medical reports, bringing the total to €41,210. The incident caused lacerations to the head and body, an injury to the left knee, and psychological issues. Medical reports described a pink, slightly raised scar on the knee. The boy experienced disturbed sleep and was diagnosed with adjustment disorder, but later resumed rugby and remained generally healthy. The settlement was increased to €45,000, with additional benefits and legal costs considered.

"An infant settlement application was brought by Jason Moody, suing via his mother Emma Moody of Rathnew, County Wicklow before a sitting of Wicklow Circuit Civil Court in a case against Paul McEvoy, with an address in County Wexford, and the Motor Insurers Bureau of Ireland. The application related to a personal injury matter involving the minor, with the court asked to rule on whether the proposed settlement was fair and in the best interests of the child."

"Barrister for the youth, Damien Sheridan, informed the court that an initial offer of damages of €40,000, including €300 for hospital expenses and €887 for legal and medical reports, brought the total offer to €41,210. It was noted the offer was "at the lower end of the scale". He outlined that in 2022 his client was playing outside on a skateboard when he was struck by an uninsured driver, Mr McEvoy. Upon hitting the boy, the defendant dragged him several feet."

"Mr Moody was brought to Tallaght Hospital suffering lacerations to the head and body, along with an injury to his left knee. The court also heard the incident caused him psychological issues. Reports from the youth's GP and a plastic surgeon were handed into the court, with the plastic surgeon stating that Mr Moody had a pink, slightly raised scar on his knee. Judge Patrick Quinn remarked: "That scar is not going to go against him in a nightclub in the future.""

"Since the accident, the boy has suffered disturbed sleep and has been diagnosed with adjustment disorder, but has resumed playing rugby and is generally in good health since the incident. Barrister for the injured party informed the court that an application had previously been made through the Injuries Resolution Board, with an additional €400 benefit also arising in the matter. The court heard that legal costs of €2,583, along"

Read at Irish Independent