A YOUNG girl suffered serious burns when her dress caught fire as she was standing near a fireplace in her grandparents’ home, the High Court was told yesterday.
Simone Burke, now aged 25, was aged 11 when the accident occurred and has sued retail giant Primark, trading as Penneys, where the dress was purchased.
Ms Burke, Fairgreen Court, Dargle Road, Bray, Co Wicklow claims she suffered burns to more than 20 per cent of her body requiring a number of skin grafts. She has alleged negligence and breach of duty against Primark.
Eugene Gleeson SC, for Ms Burke, said his client’s mother had purchased the dress for her in Penneys, Mary Street, Dublin, on May 15th, 1996. Counsel said the dress was manufactured from lightweight viscose with areas of thin loose weave and was of low temperature flammability. Primark denies Ms Burke’s claims and pleads she exposed herself to risk.