The settlement of an injury claim for a car accident in Wicklow has been approved in the High Court in favour of a sixteen year old girl.
Beth Cullen from Kilmacanogue in County Wicklow was just six years of age when she was badly injured in a car accident that occurred on the notorious “Nine Bends” stretch of the N11 near Ballinameesda. As a result of the November 2005 accident, Beth lost her sight in her left eye, her sense of smell and her sense of hearing in one ear.
Through her father – William Cullen – Beth made an injury claim for a car accident in Wicklow against her mother – Caroline Barrett – who had been driving the car when the accident occurred. In the injury claim for a car accident in Wicklow, it was alleged that Beth´s mother had failed to steer, stop, swerve or manage the car, and failed to have any or any adequate regard for the safety of her passenger.
Liability was conceded by Barrett´s insurance company, and a settlement of the injury claim for a car accident in Wicklow amounting to €1.3 million was agreed. As the claim had been made on behalf of a legal minor, the proposed settlement had to be approved by a judge to ensure it was in Beth´s best interests before the claim could be fully resolved.
Consequently, at the High Court, Mr Justice Kevin Cross was told the circumstances of the accident and the impact it had on Beth´s life. After hearing that Beth was doing well at school despite her injuries, the judge approved the settlement and wished Beth well for the future. As Beth is still a legal minor, the compensation settlement will be paid into court and be released when Beth is eighteen years of age.