Girl allegedly attacked by dog settles claim for €115,000

The High Court has approved a settlement of €115,000 in the case of a toddler who was allegedly attacked by a golden retriever four years ago.

The court heard Mia Kate Nolan was 19 months old and was walking near her home when the dog allegedly came from behind and clamped his jaws on her head before knocking her over and shaking her.

It was claimed she was held face down by the dog as her mother kicked and hit it to try to make it release her daughter.

She was brought to a local hospital and had to be transferred to a Dublin hospital where she remained for five days after surgery for scalp lacerations.

She was left with scars on her scalp and upper neck at the back, but a report from a plastic surgeon said all scars had matured, and no further surgery would be required.

The now five-year-old, of Kilclooney, Ballinasloe, Co Galway, took the action through her mother Leslie Nolan against the dog owners Declan and Ann O’Grady also of Kilclooney, Ballinasloe.

It was claimed there was a failure to properly control or restrain the dog when the owners allegedly knew or ought to have known it had a propensity to attack or bite people near the O’Grady home.

It was also alleged there was a failure to warn passers-by about the dog or to muzzle or train it and to minimize the risk it posed.

Ms Justice Nuala Jackson approved the settlement.