Spanish student secures €9m settlement for head injuries

A Spanish student who suffered catastrophic head and other injuries when he was hit by a bus after running onto the road at Bray, Co Wicklow, has secured €9 million in damages under a settlement of his High Court action against Dublin Bus.

Carlos Tesch, from Madrid, was 12 years of age and learning English in Ireland when the incident occurred at Bray, Co Wicklow on February 4th, 2009.

Two months ago, the Supreme Court ruled Dublin Bus was 70 per cent liable for the injuries suffered by the boy. Carlos Tesch suffered severe head injuries, fractured the base of his skull, cannot fully walk or speak and is dependent on others in every feature of his life.

Confrontation
An earlier court hearing heard the student was with a number of Spanish friends on Herbert Road, Bray when he ran into the road to get away from a number of local youths who allegedly had previously confronted the younger Spanish students verbally while also brandishing hurleys.

The Spanish students were a short distance up Herbert Road and had reached a lamppost when Carlos Tesch suddenly ran across the road and the Dublin Bus, which was coming behind him, hit him.

In court yesterday, Ms Justice Mary Irvine approved the €9 million settlement. The case was for assessment of damages only, following the Supreme Court finding.