The Accident That Changed Everything
Aisling was in her Cork kitchen on an ordinary Tuesday afternoon when her three-year-old son reached up and pulled a kettle down from the counter. The water spilled over him instantly, causing severe scalding injuries to his arm and shoulder. The kettle had a faulty auto-shutoff mechanism that should have prevented it from tipping — a defect the manufacturer knew about but had never recalled.
In the hospital, doctors told Aisling her son would need skin grafts and ongoing treatment. The physical pain would fade, but the psychological impact of the accident would take longer to heal. Aisling felt helpless. She had bought the kettle from a reputable retailer, trusting it was safe. She had no idea there was a known fault.
Finding Her Way Forward
Months of medical appointments followed — physiotherapy, specialist reviews, and psychological support for her son's anxiety around water and hot items. The medical bills mounted, and Aisling knew she had to do something. She began researching the kettle online and discovered she wasn't alone. Other parents had reported the same fault. The manufacturer had issued no recall, despite internal records showing the problem.
Aisling decided to pursue a claim. With legal support, she gathered evidence: hospital records, medical reports from her son's ongoing treatment, photographs of his injuries, and documentation of the manufacturer's knowledge of the defect. The claim wasn't just about compensation — it was about holding the company accountable and potentially preventing other families from going through the same trauma.
A Settlement That Reflected the Reality
The case was settled before trial. The settlement included compensation for her son's medical expenses, past and future treatment, his pain and suffering, and recognition of the lasting impact on both him and Aisling. Importantly, the settlement was structured to cover his ongoing physiotherapy and psychological support for years to come, giving Aisling the security of knowing his care wouldn't be derailed by financial pressures.
While no amount of money can undo what happened, Aisling felt some measure of justice. The company had been forced to account for its negligence, and her story helped encourage the retailer to tighten safety standards with its suppliers.
What the Law Says
In Ireland, manufacturers have a legal duty to ensure their products are safe and fit for purpose. If a product has a known defect that causes injury — especially to a child — the injured person may claim compensation under product liability law. This covers medical costs, ongoing treatment, pain and suffering, and loss of enjoyment of life. The manufacturer cannot escape responsibility simply by saying they didn't intend harm; the focus is on whether the product was defective and whether that defect caused injury. Retailers and importers can also be held liable, which creates an important chain of responsibility throughout the supply chain.
Important Time Limit
In Ireland, you have three years from the date of injury to bring a personal injury claim for a defective product. This deadline is strict — if you miss it, you lose your right to claim, even if you have a valid case.
For claims involving children, the clock can start at different points depending on circumstances, but it's crucial to act quickly. If your child has been injured by a faulty product, seek advice as soon as possible.