Matthew McCarthy was 12 when he was a hit by a car while playing on the Stewartstown Road in west Belfast six years ago. He consequently suffered severe personal injuries to his head and body and remained in a coma for three months.
Now aged 18 and confined to a wheelchair, he is Head Boy at a school for young people with physical disabilities. Despite his terrible injuries, Matthew has obtained numerous GCSEs and is planning to sit more exams this summer.
He made the compensation claim against the driver of the car that hit him, but the case was settled without an admission of liability. Lord Justice Campbell ordered that the court will hold the sum of money until it is administered by officials in co-operation with Mr McCarthy's mother and solicitors.
Representing the teenager, solicitor Brendan Guinness said after the personal injury compensation ruling, "Matthew suffered very severe injuries but has made a good recovery and is very positive about his future.
"This is due in no small measure to the wonderful care and support he receives from his mother."
*Where replacement vehicle costs can be recovered from the insurance company of the person who caused the accident.
Where this person is untraceable or uninsured, or where there is a dispute over liability, a replacement vehicle cannot
be provided.
