Schoolboy awarded €40,000 for bicycle pump injury

An 11-year-old schoolboy, who will be scarred for life after his left hand was deeply lacerated when a bicycle pump broke in his hands, has been awarded €40,000 damages in the Circuit Civil Court.

Barrister Ivan Daly told the court that in June last year, Cathal O'Hanlon had been using the pump when the plunger came away and penetrated the back of his hand.

Mr Daly said Cathal, who was aged 10 at the time, was taken to the A&E department of the Children’s University Hospital, Temple Street, Dublin, where X-rays revealed no fracture.

The court heard on Tuesday that Cathal’s laceration was sutured under local anaesthesia. The wound had left a visible permanent 3cm scar.

Through his mother Debbie O'Hanlon, of Ballyshannon Road, Kilmore West, Dublin, Cathal sued the pump manufacturer, Halfords Ltd, with an address in England, for negligence and breach of duty.

Mr Daly told Circuit Court President Mr Justice Raymond Groarke that the scar is expected to fade over time and Cathal's injury had not caused a restriction of movement in his hand.

Counsel said the defendant had made a €40,000 settlement offer, and he was happy to recommend acceptance of it to the court. Judge Groarke approved it.