Girl struck on the hand bypassing car awarded €25,000

Stephen Maguire

A young girl who was struck on the hand by a car in Co Donegal just days before Christmas in 2023 has been awarded €25,000.

The teenager, who was 14 at the time of the incident, was struck by a car in Buncrana on December 18th.

The child was crossing the road at Dr Denis McLaughlin Road when the incident happened.

Barrister for the girl, Mr Peter Nolan, BL, outlined the details of the incident during an infant plaintiff ruling for damages heard at Letterkenny Circuit Court.

The girl fell to the ground after being struck by the passing car which failed to remain at the scene and was not traced.

Mr Nolan told the court that the girl hurt her wrist and after attending her own doctor, she attended Letterkenny University Hospital.

Although the wrist did not show a fracture, the girl continued to complain about a soreness in her wrist.

A medical report specified that the girl had full movement of her left wrist and fingers but did suffer a soft tissue injury.

MRSI scan

An MRSI scan noted the girl still had discomfort but had full mobility.

However, she also had to stay away from playing sports including basketball and also gymnastics at times because of the injury.

Mr Nolan also told the court that there had been a minor abnormality of the wrist which was present before the accident.

Mr Nolan told Judge John Aylmer that an offer of €25,000 as well as €600 in costs comprising of hospital treatment at Letterkenny University Hospital and travel had been made to his client.

He told the court that the victim could not be present in court as she was suffering from Covid but was represented by a 'next friend.'

Mr Nolan said the girl was now back at school and was fine.

He recommended an acceptance of the offer which was agreed upon by Judge Aylmer.

An advancement of any of the €25,000 award was not sought but the €600 in special damages for hospital fees and travel was approved.