Girl awarded €20,000 after trapping hand in lift

Four-year-old Juliette Croke suffered crush injury in Dublin Convention Centre

Juliette Croke, of Willbrook Estate, Whitechurch Road, Rathfarnham, Dublin pictured leaving the Four Courts. Photograph: Courts Collins

A four-year-old schoolgirl, who will be scarred for life after her left hand was trapped in lift doors, was awarded €20,000 damages in the Circuit Civil Court.

Barrister Noel Cosgrove told the court that in November 2011 Juliette Croke attended the Convention Centre, at Spencer Dock, North Wall, Dublin, with her aunt and granny, when her hand became trapped.

Mr Cosgrove said that Juliette suffered a crush injury to her middle and ring fingers. She had been taken to a VHI Swiftcare Clinic where her wounds were cleaned and dressed.

Counsel told Judge Sarah Berkeley that it had been a very traumatic experience for the little girl, who was just over a year-old at the time. Juliette suffered pain and swelling to her fingers for several weeks.

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Juliette, of Willbrook Estate, Whitechurch Road, Rathfarnham, Dublin, had developed an overgrowth of skin to her ring finger which had later resolved itself. The wounds had left visible permanent scars on her fingers.

Through her mother Addie Croke, Juliette sued Spencer Dock Convention Centre Dublin Ltd and Spencer Dock Convention Centre Dublin (No2) Ltd, for negligence.

Mr Cosgrove said liability was not an issue in the case and last February the defendants had made a €12,500 settlement offer, which had at the time been refused by another Circuit Court judge. The case had been adjourned to today for a full hearing.

Counsel said that following talks between the parties, an increased offer of €21,352, including €1,352 for fees and expenses, had been made on behalf of the defendants. Judge Berkeley approved it.