Irish Injury Claims News
Posted: February 9th, 2022
At the Circuit Civil Court a judge has given his approval for a €40,000 personal injury compensation settlement for a 12-year-old schoolboy who tripped on metal strips inserted in a pedestrian way to prevent skateboarding from taking place.
After being tripped the boy fell and sustained injuries and scarring to his forehead. Justice Judge John O’Connor, at the Circuit Civil Court, was informed that the metal strips in question had been put in place to stop skateboarders using a decorative stone being used as a ramp. It occurred in Blessington, Co Wicklow.
The court was informed that, when the accident occurred in November 2012, three-year-old Eoin Fairbanks was walking along an area with decorative stones in place he fell over one of the metal strips, falling and hitting his head off a different metal strip.
The court was advised that Eoin, with an address at Burgage Manor Blessington, had been inflicted with a 3cm deep cut which has resulted in a scar persisting on his forehead. After the incident he was given medical attention at a nearby pharmacy prior to being taken to the emergency department at Tallaght Hospital. Here a medic closed his wound using a combination of glue and steri-strips.
Now 12-year-old Eoin took the legal action, via his father Dean Fairbanks, against Sistina Management Limited and Qualitas Property Partners Limited, both located in Dublin. Both companies had entered full defences to the claim.
Justice Presiding Judge O’Connor was informed that the defendants had proposed a compensation settlement offer of €40,000 for the young child. This information was made known to the Judge by way of an affidavit, provided by Ms Michelle Synott of Synott Lawline Solicitors for the plaintiff, that €40,000 compensation settlement offer was made and that she was recommending, on behalf of her client, that the court approve this.
Posted: November 20th, 2021
In the Hight Court a Galway hospital has agreed to pay a €30m birth injury settlement to 14-year-old boy from Birr who has cerebral palsy as a result of the the circumstances of his birth.
Oran Molloy suffers with spastic diplegia which affects all four limbs. His legal counsel, Denis McCullough SC, informed Justice Paul Coffed that the birth injury settlement which was agreed following a mediation process that was “protracted and difficult”. He added that this the largest recovery of damages in a birth injury case in this jurisdiction.
He told the Court that when Oran was just five years old he travelled to the USA for surgery which was paid for by local fundraising. This surgical procedure allowed his to initially walk a few steps using crutches. Sadly, his mobility has lessened over time.
The legal action was taken against the Health Service Executive in relation to injuries oran sustained during his birth at Portiuncula University Hospital, Ballinasloe, Co. Galway, on December 31, 2006.
Following the approval being given for the proposed settlement solicitor Gillian O’Connor, speaking on behalf of Oran’s family said while they were satisfied with the €30m award they would “give it back in a heartbeat” if only the night of December 31 when Oran was born and injured at birth “could be changed and the errors erased”.
She said: “This is the highest award but justifiably so and is about €12 million more than what is normally awarded. “
She said this was because it represents, in the Molloy legal team’s opinion, a negative real rate of return of minus 1.5% and not up to plus 1.5% which was determined in the Irish courts in 2014.
Liability was only accepted by the HSE three weeks prior to the trial date. Following this the HSE then sought to adjourn the case for four years. Due to this adjournment request, the family had requested an annual payment linked to wage inflation be made. However, this request was turned down by the HSE so the family had no option but to pursue a lump sum compensation figure.
Posted: August 4th, 2021
A Workplace Relations Commission (WRC) ruling has awarded a man with an intellectual disability €7,500 after being the subject of discrimination when he was not allowed to enter a car-draw.
WRC Adjudicator Brian Dalton directed Co Cavan Link Credit Union Ltd to pay €7,500 to Matthew Reilly after issuing a ruling that he was discriminated against on the grounds of his disability under the Equal Status Act. In addition to this Link Credit Union was direct to permit Mr Reilly, with his mother Martina’s permission, enter the car draw in future.
A complaint was made to the WRC after Link Credit Union informed Mr Reilly, following legal advice, that it would not be appropriate to take the €60 annual car draw payment in November 2018 from him. The reasoning behind this was that Mr Reilly would not be able to use the car if he won it in the draw.
As he has a mental disability and is unable to provide informed consent, Mr Reilly delegated authority to his mother, Martina so that she would be able to act in his interests concerning his credit union account. Since Mr Reilly’s account was initially opened in 1993 his Martina had been looking after her son’s interests concerning his credit union account.
In the WRC hearing Mrs Reilly claimed that her son was the victim of discrimination due to his disability and was being dealt with unfairly as other entrants to the draw are not required to prove that they can enter the prize draw.
The draw in question takes place every two months. Mr Dalton stated that it is not a reasonable course of action to treat Mr Reilly differently to other credit union members who have a different disability – or none – regard to the fact that Mr Reilly’s best interests are safeguarded due to the representation of his mother.
The WRC adjudicator said that Mr Reilly’s mother was approved by the credit union board to act on Matthew’s behalf and added that Mr Reilly is over 18 and previously been allowed to enter the draw.
In the ruling it was stated that, while the initial basis not to allow Mr Reilly to enter the draw was made as a result of his incapacity to drive, this was later added to with reference to a broader regulatory framework and fiduciary duty.
However, the ruling went on to say, if Mr Reilly was to win the car in the draw, he could be driven in the car or sell it for a profit the same as any other member of the Credit Union could.
The draw is run on a non-profit basis and creates a pot of money that pays for the prizes. The draw is run as a service for members’ benefit.
Posted: May 22nd, 2021
The relatives of Alec Rea, a young musician who died by suicide, have settled a High Court action with the Health Service Executive (HSE) in relation to the manner of his death.
A €200,00 settlement was agreed with his family in relation to the nervous shock they sustained. Additionally there was no admission of liability.
The agreed settlement, which includes a statutory solatium mental distress payment of €35,000, was approved by Justice Kevin Cross. The Judge said it was a very tragic case and the judge passed on his condolences to the Rea family.
A statement from the family was read out in court which described Alec as an exceptionally talented young musician. When he died, Alec was just 24-years-old and was expected to sign a record deal with an American producer in the near future. Sean Rea and Loren Rea of Priestown, Carndonagh, Co Donegal, had sued the HSE for nervous shock over the death of their son on February 3, 2016.
The statement said that the family wanted to make it clear to those with mental health difficulties should urgently seek help and support they need and families should be listened to and safeguards established to ensure adequate follow-up.
The court was advised that Alec had come home from a music festival following being praised by a US record producer for his talent. Despite this he entered a state of deep depression and lost all interest in music during October 2015. The Judge was informed that Mr Rea had first initially shown symptoms that he was suffering with depression as early as 2008 when he was aged 16.
He was prescribed with a course of medication for his depression during December 2015 and, following another review during January 2016, he was admitted to the mental health unit of Letterkenny General Hospital for a full psychiatric assessment and treatment.
He was referred to a social worker, after a medical professional A medic reviewed his prescription, in order to put in place a plan to support Mr Rea at his home. This plan was to include the use of recreational and training opportunities.
As she was concerned regarding his mental state, on January 22 2016 Alec Rea’s mother arranged an appointment with the mental health services. However, Mr Rea did not attend the meeting in question.
After being seen by another social worker on January 29, 2016, his mother claims, she got in touch with Buncrana Mental Health Services everyday to make them aware of Alec’s family’s worry in relation of what might happen if he was not assessed as soon as possible.
After a potential appointment was set up for early February was cancelled on the morning that it was due to take place Alec’s family was informed that a new appointment would be arranged. The court was told that Alec was extremely distraught. The next day he commited suicide.
The court was informed that Alec’s parents continue to experience post-traumatic stress disorder due to their son’s death.
Posted: February 22nd, 2021
At the Circuit Civil Court a toddler who fell 10 feet onto concrete paving through a gap in glass panelling where one of the panels was missing
has had a €25,000 footpath accident compensation settlement approved.
During proceedings at court, barrister Eavanna Fitzgerald informed
Judge John O’Connor that Ewa Stecyk was attempting to unlock an entrance gate to a Dublin apartment building, when her 19-month-old son Alex Szabo moved to look through a glass-panelled barrier. Appearing with Maguire McClafferty Solicitors for Alex and Ms Stecyk, Fitzgerald said the child and his mother did not know that one of the large glass panels was missing.
She said: “The boy walked through the space and fell three metres onto a concrete surface. Luckily, despite the very serious circumstances, there was a good outcome as he landed on his feet, falling forward on his hands and knees.”
She informed the Judge that the incident in question occurred during October 2017 at The Concert Building at an apartments block in Dublin 12 as the young child was attempting to open an entrance gate. In the accident that ensued the young boy injured his feet, knees and hands, and had also struck his head.
Due to the suffering that the young boy went through his mother, who lives at Clear Water Court, South Royal Canal Park, Ashtown, Dublin 15, subsequently rushed to Crumlin Children’s Hospital. Here, following a series of x-rays it was discovered that he had not suffered any fractures.
Ms Fitzgerald advised Judge O’Connor that his colleague, Judge Kathryn Hutton, had adjourned the case during 2020, having requested additional medical reports. At this point in time a settlement of €20,000 had been offered.
The additional reports by completed by paediatric orthopaedic surgeon Dr Paula M. Kelly have indicated that Alex did not sustain any long-term orthopaedic injuries. Through his mother, the boy initiated the legal action for compensation against some Parkwest Management firms which have registered addresses at Harcourt Street, Dublin 2, and were the legal occupiers of The Concert Building in Parkwest.
Counsel recommended that the Judge approve the compensation settlement offer. Judge O’Connor, as he gave his approval to a new €25,000 compensation offer, said that while the boy had walked with a limp for a number of weeks, he had made a full recovery. from the accident.
Posted: November 1st, 2020
Aimee Brennan, a 12-year-old girl, has settled her High Court compensation action for €9.4m in relation to being allegedly paralysed from the chest down from an operation to treat curvature of her spine at Our Lady’s Children’s Hospital, Crumlin, Dublin.
The operation took place when she was six-years-old and, since that time she has been suffering with paraplegia and has to use a wheelchair.
Aimee’s legal representative, Liam Reidy SC informed the court, that she had curvature of the spine, was living an independent life prior before the operation. However she had opted to undergo the surgery due to the fact that she was unable to breath correctly.
Counsel said the surgery included the placing of an anchor system and implants along the spine using pedicle screws. It was claimed that the screws had been allegedly improperly placed. The hospital did not accept this claimed and argued that the screws did not inflict damage and the injuries could have been caused by a stroke, which is a known complication of this type of surgical treatment.
Aimee’s mother Jacinta informed the court, via an affidavit, that Aimee “…has been through so much but always has a smile on her face”. She added that her daughter was never able to walk since the operation and she has no power or sensation from below chest level.
Aimee, of Wolfhill, Co Laois, took the legal action against Our Lady’s Children’s Hospital through her mother. It was alleged that Aimee had a necessary operation on September 29, 2014 during which she sustained an injury to her spinal cord resulting in paraplegia.
Three days prior to the operation Aimee’s mother was advised that the curve of the spine was significant and was inflicting pressure on Aimee’s lungs and the operation was necessary to save her life. It is claimed no risks or alternative options to the proposed surgery were provided to Mrs Brennan.
Aimee returned from the operation still on traction and was taken to the intensive care unit. Her father Alan remained with her through the night and saw Aimee suffering with pins and needles in her legs at about 4:30am. A nursing note of 6am recorded Aimee being unable to complete requests to move her lower limbs.
An urgent MRI scan was completed and she was taken back to theatre where a hematoma was evacuated during an operation that took over six hours to complete. It is alleged that, in relation to the main operation, there was negligence in implementing a surgical strategy which was not allegedly indicated and which did not permit for more conservative approaches to Aimee’s ailment.
There was an alleged failure to complete pre-operative advanced imaging to create a road map to guide the placement of critical high-risk implants in surgery. The claims were refuted.
Following the operation, Aimee had to attend the National Rehabilitation Hospital in February of 2015 and remained there for three months.
Approving the €9.4m surgical negligence compensation settlement Mr Justice Kevin Cross said it wa a very good one.
Posted: September 11th, 2020
A toe injury sustained while playing footgolf has resulted in a €16,000 personal injury compensation award for an amateur goalkeeper at the Circuit Civil Court.
The legal action was taken by Stuart O’Dwyer of Glenhill Avenue, Finglas, Dublin 11, against Simon Rutledge of the White House pub restaurant, New Park, The Ward, Co Dublin in relation to the injury he sustained when
his right foot struck a metal stake which was hidden by long grass just off the 10th green at Mr Rutledge’s course.
Mr O’Dwyer, Leinster Senior League goalkeeper for Glasnevin FC, informed the Judge John O’Connor that he suffered the injury when he was trying to kick the ball out of the rough in a round of footgolf with his father on June 14, 2018.
The court was informed by Mr O’Dwyer’s legal representative, Barrister Laurence Masterson, that Mr Rutledge was not defended the claim. He added that judgment had been marked by the County Registrar against Mr Rutledge in the absence of an appearance in the case.
On the day of the game with his father he had kicked the ball off the 10th tee into very long grass. As he attempted to kick the ball onto the green his foot struck the metal spike that had been firmly placed in the ground and which was hidden by the grass.
Due to the collision with the spike, Mr O’Dwyer’s big toe was injured and he attended the emergency department of James Connolly Memorial Hospital, Blanchardstown afterwards. Here he was diagnosed a soft-tissue injury by
consultant in emergency medicine Dr JA McKeever.
The court was informed that Mr O’Dwyer, an amatuer goalkeeper in the Leinster Senior League with Glasnevin FC, had lost the nail on his big toe and he has a slight deformity in the shape of a small lump on the toe after the nail had grown back. In addition to this he had experienced extensive pain, discomfort and bruising in his toe. In the hospital his toe had been splinted with a buddy strap in the hospital where he had been provided with crutches.
Judge O’Connor said he felt compensation would fall in at the lower end of the Circuit Court jurisdiction and, as such, awarded Mr O’Dwyer €16,000 personal injury compensation legal costs against Mr Rutledge who was not in court, nor legally represented.
Posted: August 1st, 2020
A car crash that took place in 2017 has resulted in a 15-year old boy being awarded €26,000 compensation at the Circuit Civil Court.
Mr David Kearney, representing Abdul-Malik, informed the Judge that the boy suffered great trauma when it appeared to him that his friend had died in the same accident. However, this was not the case as his friend had just been knocked unconscious in the car crash.
The accident in question took place when the car that Abdul was travelling in with his family was struck by another car as it was passing them. Abdul-Malik, who was sitting in the back seat of the car, sustained neck and lower-back injuries. In addition to this the court was also informed that he is suffering with persistent post-traumatic stress disorder. Justice Judge John O’Connor was informed that that the boy was already vulnerable due to the traume his experience when his older brother was abducted during the Chechen-Russian conflict conflict.
Mr Kearney told Judge O’Connor the boy’s mother was not content with the €26,000 compensation settlement offer. A knee operation on an injury that took place, in Russia, since the accident could be definitively linked to the accident. Medical experts provided testimony stating that the most likely cause of the injury was a sporting accident.
Mr Kearney informed the judge that the settlement figure would have to be adjusted upwards if the injury was a result of the road traffic accident.
Judge O’Connor informed the boy’s mother that he could not take the knee injury into account without independent medical research to back this up. Following this the boy’s mother informed the court, through her legal counsel, that they were happy to accept the award.
Posted: July 15th, 2020
At the High Court €71,770 personal injury compensation has been awarded to a woman who broke her two front teeth and fractured her ankle in a petrol station fall.
Grandmother Mary Delaney crossing the garage forecourt while holding some groceries when she stubbed her toe on a lip of tarmacadam and fell to the ground.
At the hearing Justice Bronagh O’Hanlon on Thursday found that incorrect workmanship was to blame for the accident. She said that the fall happened as a result of the placing of an excessive depth of material in a patched area. This created a definite tripping hazard in the guise of a 14 millimetre height difference.
The woman in question, Ms Delaney, Castlecomer Road, Kilkenny, took the personal injury compensation action against Circle K Ireland Energy Group Ltd, formerly Topaz due to her accident at the Topaz Filling Station, Castlecomer Road, Kilkenny, on May 20,2017.
During the hearing Ms Delaney told the Judge that she had on a pair of black laced shoes at the time of the accident. She added that her face was black and blue afterwards and she had to use a straw to drink liquids in the weeks after the accident happened. She sustained a fracture ankle and has not retained 100% movement in her left foot and suffers from stiffness as a result of the accident. In addition to this she had to undergo paid nine visits to the dentist for damage she sustained to her teeth.
The Judge said that Ms Delaney came across as a credible witness and a
‘a reasonable person’ who did not exaggerate her symptoms in any way.
The defendant in the legal action, Circle K, argued that the changing gradient was gradual rise and not ‘lipped’.
The judge said she did not accept thethis argument saying: “It is reasonably foreseeable that a person such as Ms Delaney would suffer such an accident in these circumstances as there was a lack of reasonable care in the reinstatement of the pavement”.
Ms Justice O’Hanlon, who accepted that this was “an acrimonious case”, granted Circle K’s application for a stay in the event of an appeal providing €35,000 and costs are paid out to Ms Delaney at once.
Posted: June 26th, 2020
German drugs and pesticides manufacturer Bayer has, after year long settlement talks, agreed to pay a $10.9bn compensation settlement in relation to thousands of US-based legal actions taken as users of weedkiller RoundUp claimed it caused them to develop cancer.
The RoundUp settlements will be financed by Bayer with the company’s current free cash flow and the earnings from the recent sale of its Animal Health business. There were almost 125,000 filed and unfiled compensation claims. The agreed settlement makes up about 75% of the claims connected with RoundUp. In both 2020 and 2021, $5bn is due to be paid out.
Bayer has never accepted allegations that cancer is caused by RoundUp or its active ingredient glyphosate. The company has referred to independent studies that back up this belief. The submitted legal action alleged that RoundUp was a major factor in the development of non-Hodgkin’s lymphoma and other cancers in some individuals.
Bayer bought Monsanto in 2018 and, in doing so, inherited the claims. This settlement does not take into account three cases that have already gone to trial. In April, a meeting of Bayer shareholders in the group gave their approval in relation to how the claims were being managed.
Bayer chief executive Werner Baumann said, in relation the development and settlement agreement: “First and foremost, the Roundup settlement is the right action at the right time for Bayer to bring a long period of uncertainty to an end. It resolves most current claims and puts in place a clear mechanism to manage risks of potential future litigation. It is financially reasonable when viewed against the significant financial risks of continued, multi-year litigation and the related impacts to our reputation and to our business.”
He added: “The decision to resolve the Roundu litigation enables us to focus fully on the critical supply of healthcare and food. It will also return the conversation about the safety and utility of glyphosate-based herbicides to the scientific and regulatory arena and to the full body of science.”
Settlement mediator Ken Feinberg said that there are a number of claims, 25,000, remaining to settle, “Bayer wisely decided to settle the litigation rather than roll the dice in American court.”
He went on to say: “I predict all the remaining cases will settle within a few months. People are going to want their share of this settlement.”
