COURTS: A talented soccer player has been offered €31,500 in compensation, for injuries he sustained at an accident in primary school in 2010.
The incident occurred at St Mary’s National School, Ramelton on May 4th, 2012, when the boy was just 10 years of age.
Barrister Fiona Crawford told Letterkenny Circuit Court this morning that the boy suffered fractures to both elbows during the incident.
“My client was in 4th class at St Mary’s National School at the time of the accident, and he was ten years of age.
“He was playing on a grassy area that had a very steep embankment, children were allowed to play in this unguarded area – and they were also unsupervised at the time.
“Unfortunately he fell and landed directly onto his elbows suffering fractures to both, he was in plaster cast for six weeks, and also was off school for two weeks.
“A four-metre fence has since been erected following the accident.”
The court heard how the boy has had on-going issues with his handwriting since the accident, and is still being prescribed medication for pain in his elbows.
Mrs Crawford added, “He has issues with his handwriting, and struggles when having to write long English essays at Secondary school – he also has discomfort when playing his XBOX and when he goes cycling.
“He’s a extremely talented footballer, and plays for the Donegal Schoolboys League side, but he gets pain in his elbows when playing in cold weather, and has to wear warm clothing to alleviate this.
“He is still being prescribed medication for pain in his elbows four years after the accident occurred.”
Reports were then read out from a number of healthcare professionals, who confirmed that the plaintiff had suffered fractures to both elbows.
There was confirmation from his GP, that he was still being prescribed medication for the pain in his elbows.
One healthcare professional said that despite the fractures he suffered he was at no risk of getting arthritis due to it.
Barrister Fiona Crawford said it was her and the opinion of counsel that the amount tendered for general damages be €31,500.
Judge John O’Hagan agreed that the amount being tendered was fair, however, he then spoke to the boy and his mother.
Judge O’Hagan told the court, “She isn’t altogether happy with the offer due to the fact that there is on-going medication still being prescribed and that he is still in pain.
“I’m going to suggest these reports be sent to senior counsel, but what has already been offered is in the bank so to say, I’ll adjourn the case until next Thursday.”