Case reported in the Irish Independent, 21 April 2026.
Circuit Civil Court, Dublin, 21 April 2026
Tiernan Solicitors has secured €45,000 in damages for a Dublin bus driver who suffered permanent scarring to his left foot and ankle after scalding coolant burst from a pipe in his recently-serviced car.
The case, heard before Judge John Martin in the Circuit Civil Court, centred on the duty of care owed by a garage to a customer following repair work. Our client had brought his car to North West Motors, Blanchardstown, because of a problem with the heating system. The garage carried out repairs on the system. Shortly afterwards, while he was driving on the N11, a coolant pipe burst without warning. Scalding coolant gushed over his left foot with such force that he initially believed another vehicle had collided with his car.
He pulled over immediately and called an ambulance. Paramedics provided first aid at the roadside before transferring him to Connolly Hospital, Blanchardstown, where he was treated for first degree burns, given a tetanus injection, and had his wounds dressed. He suffered severe pain for almost three months.
The injury and its long-term impact
Medical evidence before the court confirmed that our client was left with a large permanent scar across the front of his foot and ankle. The scarring is disfiguring and will not resolve. Beyond the physical injury, the court heard that the scar has caused our client ongoing embarrassment, particularly when playing basketball and when wearing shorts on holiday. Awards for permanent scarring recognise not only the physical mark itself but the psychological and social consequences of living with a visible, permanent disfigurement.
The legal process
Our client’s claim was brought against North West Motors for €60,000 in personal injury damages. The garage failed to respond to the proceedings and judgment was obtained against the company at an earlier stage. The case before Judge Martin was an assessment of damages only. North West Motors was not represented in court.
Barrister John Scott, appearing with Roisin Kinahan of Tiernan Solicitors, presented the case on behalf of our client. Judge Martin, in assessing damages, held that our client was entitled to be compensated for what he described as a large permanent scar, and awarded €45,000.
What this case highlights
Cases like this are a reminder that a routine car service should not result in personal injury, and that when it does, the garage or service provider can be held legally responsible. Where work is carried out negligently, or where a fault is either caused or not rectified during a service, the garage owes a duty of care to the customer and can be liable for any injuries that follow.
Permanent scarring claims in Ireland are assessed individually, taking into account the size and visibility of the scar, its location on the body, the age of the injured person, and the long-term psychological and social impact. The Judicial Council’s Personal Injuries Guidelines provide the current framework for these assessments.
If you have suffered a similar injury
If you have been injured because of negligent work carried out on your vehicle, or if you have suffered burns or permanent scarring in an accident that was not your fault, Tiernan Solicitors can advise you on whether you have a claim. We handle personal injury cases across Ireland and will give you an honest assessment of your case from the outset.
Call Tiernan Solicitors on 01-6760988, email mark@tiernansolicitors.ie, or request a callback through our contact form.
