LOSS OF AN EYELID

Nelson Evening Mail, Volume LXXII, 29 November 1938, Page 6

LOSS OF AN EYELID

BOY S ACCIDENT INJURY CLAIM FOR £2545 DAMAGES (United Press Association) WELLINGTON, 28th November. Damages amounting to £2545 were claimed in the Supreme Court to-day on behalf of a boy of eight, for injuries received when he was knocked down by a motor-cycle in Newtown nearly two years ago. The case was heard by the Chief Justice, Sir Michael Myers, and a juiy of twelve. Gordon Albert Steel, suing through his father, Albert Edward Steel, claimed £45 special damages and £2500 general damages, from Desmond Claire Williams, upholsterer. Counsel said the boy received sever# injuries to the right eye, the eyelid being torn away. The eye itself was uninjured. The eyelid had been grafted on again and eventually, with the aid of a tendon-like substance from the leg, hitched to a muscle of the forehead. Altogether the boy had been to tha operating theatre eight or nine times. He had been operated on by an eminent New Zealand plastic surgeon, and although the surgeon had achieved something that a few years ago would probably have been undreamt of, the boy was still suffering considerable disability. Hs could not raise the eyelid in the normal way. He had to make a conscious effort of raising the forehead in order to lift th» eyelid. There was also permanent disfigurement. The hearing of the case will contmuo to-morrow.