The High Court awarded a woman €52,122 in damages for injuries sustained when she was thrown from a horse at Castle Leslie’s hotel premises in February 2016. Liability for the accident was not in issue in the proceedings.
The court heard that a dog entered the path as the horse was being ridden, startling it. The horse reared and the woman was thrown to the ground, briefly losing consciousness. She suffered extensive bruising and a large haematoma in her left buttock, with no fractures identified on X-rays or MRI.
The haematoma and related fluid collection required three drainage procedures. A blistered area developed into ulcerated skin, and she continued wound care for almost three months. Her plastic surgeon’s evidence described a lasting scar, an indentation and an area of firm, tender tissue. The woman reported intermittent pain and discomfort when sitting. The surgeon considered the surface scar and overall appearance permanent, though the tender area might improve over time. He did not expect further surgery to help.
The judge accepted the woman’s evidence and the medical opinion that she had experienced considerable pain and discomfort during treatment. The judgment also noted that she and her husband were undergoing IVF treatment when the accident occurred. Treatment was postponed, then resumed successfully; she later became pregnant and delivered a healthy baby girl. The judge said the postponement would have caused frustration and disappointment.
In assessing general damages, the court referred to Court of Appeal guidance in Nolan v. Wirenski, Shannon v. O’Sullivan and Fogarty v. Cox. It awarded €50,000 for pain and suffering to date and the future cosmetic effects of the injuries. A further €2,122 was awarded for special damages, bringing the total to €52,122.
The judgment records the damages award. It does not state a separate finding on liability, which was not in issue in these proceedings.