Man settles brain-injury claim for €1.75m

on 07/12/2012 17:32:10

A 28-year-old man who suffered a brain injury in a drunk-driving accident in Co Offaly has settled a claim for damages for €1.75m.

Former snowboard instructor Caimin Walsh, who lives in Rathgar, Dublin, sued the driver Bernard Markey from Birr, and the owner of the car following the crash which happened after an all-night party in June 2009.

Mr Walsh has no memory at all of the accident in which he was thrown 20 metres from a car that went out of control, skidded through a hedge and rolled over before grinding to a halt.

The 28-year-old had spent the evening at Birr Rugby Club and then a house party before he and an American girl accepted a lift home at about 6.30am.

The UCD economics graduate was a snowboard instructor and a keen rugby player, who planned to become an accountant prior to suffering brain damage in the accident.

Liability was not denied, but the court heard there were issues as to whether he was wearing a seatbelt and if he knew the driver was intoxicated.

That means there was a risk he might have lost the case but instead of going to trial, the parties have settled for €1.75m.