€725k award for boy who lost part of his foot after mower horror
A TEENAGER who lost part of his foot in a lawnmower accident as a toddler yesterday settled his High Court action for €725,000.
Jake Mcguinness Smyth was just twoand-a-half when he ran towards the ride-on machine driven by a relative.
Mr Justice Kevin Cross was told the now 14-year-old is a remarkable young man who plays football and is very bright.
Approving the settlement, he said he was delighted to hear how Jake was doing, adding he is “an inspiration to us all”.
Jake, from Reaghstown in Ardee, Co Louth, had, through his mother, Rebecca Smyth, sued the owner of the lawnmower, a nominee of the late Mary Jane Smyth of Maghercloone, Carrickmacross, Co Monaghan, and Violet Hunt of the same address who was operating the lawnmower on the date of the accident on May 2, 2008.
Jake had been visiting his relatives at the house when it was claimed a ride-on mower being operated by Ms Hunt collided with the young boy.
It was claimed it was operated at a time when a child was present and there was an alleged failure to keep any proper lookout while operating it.
It was further claimed there was an alleged failure to operate the ride-on lawnmower so as to avoid contact or collision with the little boy.
Jake’s counsel Edward Walsh told the court the toddler had “run full of enthusiasm” towards the machine and the horrific accident occurred.
Counsel said the settlement includes an amount for the loss of future career prospects. He said the teenager knows he suffered a grievous injury as a child but takes part in sports. Approving the settlement Mr Justice Cross said Jake had suffered a traumatic accident and it was a good settlement.