Court approves €10,000 award for Donegal boy who suffered severe burns in France

A young Donegal boy who suffered burns to his arm while on a family holiday in France has been awarded €10,000.

The offer was approved at Letterkenny Circuit Court by Judge John Aylmer.

The boy is now seven years old and was under two when the incident occurred while at Eurocamp Brittany in France during the summer of 2018.

The court heard that the injury was sustained when the infant plaintiff struck his arm from what was said to be 'an extremely hot gas heater' in a cabin.

The child sustained a severe burn to his left arm and was given first aid at the scene. Cream was also applied to the affected area.

On return to Ireland, the child was examined by his own doctor.

In 2019, the child was examined again by a doctor who noted a faint discolouration of 2cm on the scarred area while he had a full-range of movement and a normal grip. The court was told that the wound has now healed and there is no residual scarring.

Mr Peter Nolan BL told Judge John Aylmer that it is the view of the boy's parents that the heater 'wasn't properly screened'.

“The fact of the matter is that we would have to have an engineer attend for that purpose,” Mr Nolan said, “but when that was mooted to the other side, some reality dawned.”

Mr Nolan said there was no monetary bands given in terms of burns and the court must consider the age of an affects to the child.

Mr Nolan said there was a concern that liability could be apportioned to the parents as contributory negligence had been alleged by the other side.

“Rather than risk any order, it would be wise to accept the offer,” Mr Nolan said.

Judge Aylmer said it was fortunate that the recovery of the boy has been 'excellent' and recommended the acceptance of €10,000.