Teen who lost leg in farm accident awarded €1.28m
The High Court has approved an award of €1.28m to a Co Waterford teenager who lost his leg in a farming accident.
The court heard that TJ Kearns, who is now 17, lost the leg after his leg got entangled in a power seed sowing machine while on his uncle's farm when he was just nine years of age.
Today Mr Justice John Quirke approved a settlement to TJ Kearns (aged 17), Viewmount, Waterford who through his father Tom sued the operators of the farm John Joe Flynn, Eugene Flynn and Gerard Flynn of Leperstown House, Leperstown, Dunmore East Co Waterford arising out of an accident that occurred on April 20, 2001.
The Judge said that he had "no hesitation" in approving the award of €1.282m. The Judge said that while "no money could compensate TJ fully for what he had suffered" the offer was a good one in the circumstances.
Paddy McCarthy SC for TJ told the court that liability in the action had been admitted, and that the case had been before the court for assessment only.
Counsel said that the accident occurred when TJ was in a tractor, driven by an adult, with a power harrow attached. The harrow was used to assist in the sowing of corn. However TJ's right lower leg managed to become entangled in the machine.
After the accident the emergency services were called and TJ was rushed to hospital. However due to serious nature of the injuries TJ sustained counsel said that the boy's leg had to be amputated.
The court further heard that TJ required treatment at the National Rehabilitation Centre in Dun Laoghire, and uses an artificial leg. Counsel added said that since the accident TJ had "responded magnificently to what had happened to him."
