A young girl from County Donegal has been awarded a €415,000 settlement after a lawnmower ran over her foot, resulting in the loss of two toes.
Rachel McElhinney of Dunmore, Falcarragh, was three years old when the accident occurred on May 7, 2013.
Ms McElhinney, now 16 years old, was visiting a house in her local area, where it was claimed that a lawnmower and rotator blade came into contact with her left foot.
Her counsel Richard Lyons SC told the court she lost her big toe and another toe.
She was given morphine at a local health centre and transferred to a Dublin hospital, where she spent six weeks.
Counsel said she had to have four surgeries under general anaesthetic and it was very traumatic for her.
As a result of the accident, the young girl’s left foot was four shoe sizes smaller than her right foot.
It was contended by the other side that the child came out of nowhere.
Rachel McElhinney, through her father Sean McElhinney sued householders Mary and John Gallagher of Saint Anne’s, Drumfin, Falcarragh, Co Donegal, over the accident on May 7, 2013.
It was further claimed there was an alleged failure to operate the lawnmower with due care and attention for the safety of persons, including the child, and an alleged failure to give any or any adequate warning of the approach of the lawnmower.
It was further contended there was an alleged failure to stop, swerve or otherwise manage or control the lawnmower so as to avoid the accident.
All of the claims were denied.
Approving the settlement, Mr Justice Paul Coffey said it was fair and reasonable and he conveyed his best wishes to the teenager and her family.
€415k settlement for Donegal girl who lost toes in lawnmower accident was last modified: August 1st, 2025 by Contributor