Boy injured when van reversed over him secures €200,000 damages

A boy whose skull was fractured when a van reversed over him while he was playing near his home has secured a €200,000 settlement of his High Court action.

Thomas David Moran was just 16 months old when he was injured in the accident on Lyons Lane, Newcastle, Co Dublin, a cul de sac where his home is located.

The van was driven by neighbour Aidan McAuley and owned by Brendan Smyth, St Mark's Avenue, Clondalkin, Dublin.

Both were sued, along with Mr Smyth’s company, C&S Roofing, JFK Industrial Estate, Dublin, and the Motor Insurers Bureau of Ireland as it was alleged Mr McAuley was not insured to drive the van.

Through his mother Grainne Moran, Thomas, now aged six, claimed the defendants were negligent and the van had been recklessly, carelessly or dangerously reversed in the cul-de-sac.

The claims were denied.

Michael Howard SC, instructed by Elizabeth Howard of Howard Synott Solicitors, told the court on Friday an offer of €200,000 had been made to settle the case.

Thomas was taken to hospital with a fractured skull and while he had made a full recovery, there had been concerns about his development as a result of the accident, counsel said.

Mr Justice Kevin Cross approved the settlement.