Child whose fingers were crushed in door awarded €45,000 damages

A seven-year-old child, who suffered crush injuries three years ago to two of her fingers in a restaurant, has received a settlement of €45,000 damages for personal injuries.

Barrister Pat Purcell told the Circuit Civil Court on Monday that a door in The Old Schoolhouse Restaurant, Swords, Dublin, had closed on Paula Buliauskite's right hand, crushing her right middle and ring finger on her right hand.

He said the girl, who sued Riverside Investments, trading as The Old Schoolhouse, Swords, through her mother, Busmane, had been taken to hospital where she had come under the care of a plastic surgeon.

Mr Purcell told Judge John O’Connor the child had suffered a significant injury and on the day following the incident, had to have surgery on both fingers while under general anaesthetic. She had been left with scarring on both fingers.

Counsel said the Personal Injuries Board had assessed compensation for the child of Swords Manor, Swords, Co Dublin, at €45,000 and he was recommending it to the court.

Judge O’Connor said he considered the assessment appropriate and approved of it.