A man who sustained severe brain injuries from a road accident is to receive €3.5 million and costs under a settlement approved by the High Court yesterday.
Mr Nicholas Dempsey (25), of Coxtown, Dunmore East, Co Waterford, was a passenger in a car driven by Mr Francis Cullinane, of Coxtown, when it collided with another car near Butlerstown, Co Waterford, on January 7th, 1998.
Mr Justice Gilligan was told Mr Dempsey was in Waterford Regional Hospital for some months. He suffered major head injuries with massive brain damage. He was transferred to the National Rehabilitation Hospital. He was essentially wheelchair dependent, but has been doing limited walking.
The court heard Mr Dempsey would require very extensive medical, hospital and nursing care. He was permanently disabled.
Mr Justice Gilligan said while he appreciated that Mr Dempsey and his mother did not want him to be made a ward of court, he believed he had a duty to protect him. If he were not made a ward of the court, then a trust should be set up with the assistance of Mr Dempsey's solicitors.