A SCHOOLGIRL who suffered 45 per cent burns to her body after her Dunnes Stores night clothes burst into flames six years ago is to receive £300,000 compensation from the company in an out of court settlement.
Deirdre Quinlan (16), from Farnagark, Kilbrittain, Co Cork, sued the retail chain through her mother for the massive burns she suffered in the accident, which happened in the living room of her home on January 12th, 1991.
Speaking after the settlement was approved in the High Court; in Cork yesterday, Ms Quinlan said she would use some of the money to pay for plastic surgery for her face "when the time is right".
Dr John O'Mahony, representing Ms Quinlan, told the court that on the night of the accident Ms Quinlan had leaned across in front of the fire to protect her two year old brother. Her nightdress and dressing gown caught fire and the flames spread rapidly.
The court was told that, had the case gone to hearing, Dunnes would have contested the issue of liability.