A girl, who suffered significant bite injuries from a dog that had been allowed to roam freely on the road, is to receive €150,000 compensation for a Rottweiler attack.
Lauren Kelly was just nine years of age when she was out with friends playing “hunting the wren” on St Stephens Day in 2011. As Lauren walked down the road in her home town of Abbeylara in County Longford, she came across a Rottweiler that been allowed to escape from its home and stray onto the public road.
The Rottweiler attacked the young girl and, despite the attentions of her mother, Lauren suffered multiple bite injuries to her upper right arm. Lauren was taken to hospital, where she was treated for 26 puncture wounds. She has had to undergo skin grafts and has been left with significant scarring.
Through her father – Michael Kelly – Lauren claimed compensation for the Rottweiler attack against the owner of the dog, William Crawford – also of Abbeylara in County Longford. Crawford admitted liability and a settlement of compensation for a rottweiler attack was negotiated amounting to €150,000.
At the High Court in Dublin, Mr Justice Kevin Cross heard how Lauren had been thrown around like a rag doll while the attack was in progress. The judge was also told how Lauren experienced nightmares and a bout of sleepwalking after the incident, but that these psychological injuries had now receded – although Lauren still retains a fear of large dogs.
The judge approved the settlement of €150,000 compensation for the Rottweiler attack. The funds will be held in a trust until Lauren is eighteen years of age, although her patents will be able to access the compensation if Lauren needs further medical care to cope with the consequences of the vicious attack.