A young girl’s First Holy Communion day was ruined after the car in which she was a back seat passenger was struck by another car.
The young Donegal girl suffered a cut lip and was bleeding in the shock incident which happened in Convoy.
The girl and her mother appeared at Letterkenny Circuit Court where damages totalling €18,527.90 had been recommended by the Personal Injuries Assessment Board (PIAB).
Her barrister, Mr Ivan Toner, told the court that the girl was not able to enjoy her day because of the trauma she suffered following the crash in which she was a back-seat passenger.
As well as the physical injuries which included a pain in her face for three months after the crash, the girl suffered “a moderate level” of post traumatic stress disorder.
She still suffered when traveling and was apprehensive when using the school bus, Mr Toner added.
A psychiatric report clarified the young victim suffered from an acute stress reaction as well as PTSD.
She had ‘intermittent and intrusive mental recollection’ and ‘occasional anxiety’ the report added.
The court was also told the girl still hears her mother’s screams from the accident in which the family’s car was struck by another car coming from a side street.
The damages recommended by PIAB included €16,000 of general expenses and €1,585 of special expenses.
Addressing Mr Toner, Judge John Aylmer said it was his opinion that the case should be adjourned.
He said he thought the young girl had suffered a genuine post traumatic stress experience which were a lot more significant (than other cases) where the baseline is damages of €20,000.
After consultation the girl’s mother said she would not like to see a situation whereby her young daughter would have to give evidence and she was reassured by Judge Aylmer that this would not be the case.
He adjourned the case until the May sitting of the court saying he would like to see an offer of “at least” €20,000 for the victim.