O’Reilly Stewart Solicitors were instructed to investigate injuries sustained by our client, Miss K, following an incident at a Summer Vacation Scheme in August 2017. Dionne Darragh acted in this case.
Our client, who was a minor at the time, sustained injuries whilst participating in an activity organised as part of a summer scheme using an inflatable piece of equipment.
Our client sustained a fracture of the tibial spine of her left knee involving the anterior cruciate ligament pulling off from the adjacent bone. This required surgical repair where the fracture was reduced and stabilised with three wires, leaving deep scarring.
These injuries caused our client a significant degree of physical pain, she suffered from complex regional pain syndrome and chronic pain in her left ankle and foot. Even three years after the incident, she could not fully extend her left knee. As a result, she was also required to use a wheelchair for a full year after the injury and missed eight months of mainstream education.
As well as the physical injuries, this event has caused severe psychological harm to our client. She developed an adjustment disorder. Consequently, she has also been diagnosed with a somatic symptom disorder.
Overall, this incident has had a profound effect on our client’s general life, not being able to engage in normal teenage hobbies such as hockey, dancing and horse riding.
Liability was admitted at an early stage. O’Reilly Stewart Solicitors gained medical evidence from a number of sources including Consultant Child Psychiatrists, Consultants in Emergency Medicine, Consultant Orthopaedic Surgeons, Consultant Plastic Surgeons and Pain Management Consultants. Further to this a Care Report was commissioned and advice sought from Occupational Therapists. This evidence allowed O’Reilly Stewart to assess all loss endured by our client as a result of this incident.
Upon review of this evidence, service of High Court proceedings and extensive negotiations with the Defendant’s Solicitors, an offer of £125,000 general damages was agreed.
This case portrays the steadfast commitment O’Reilly Stewart maintains in order to achieve the best outcome possible for the client, thoroughly investigating in full, the impact of each individual case.
Client’s mother’s testimonial:
“I contacted Dionne following my daughter’s accident when we realised the extent of her injury and following a conversation with a consultant who had informed us she may never walk again. This was an extremely traumatic time for us as a family and we didn’t know what our future entailed.
Dionne was highly recommended by a professional family member who knew her ability to investigate and represent my daughter to ensure the best outcome for her.
I have to say from the moment I met Dionne I knew she was the right solicitor for us. Her questions, sincere empathy and reassurance felt immediately right.
Above all else, from a personal level, Dionne’s support was unwavering. I felt at ease even expressing my fears and concerns. I always felt listened to. I was never afraid asking questions I was unsure of. My emails and phone calls were always answered.
I couldn’t have come through the years of legal and medical challenges without Dionne offering encouragement and reassurance.
I feel indebted to her and I can honestly never thank her enough. Not only for the outcome but more so, for her support throughout.
Thank you so much”
