A settlement of €3 million was approved in the High Court today for a man who was brain damaged in a traffic accident.
Mr Andrew Sweeney (33), a builders Labourer of Roches Heights, Mitchelstown, Col.Cork, had the settlement approved by Mr Justice Johnson.
He had sued David Murray, Cork Road, Dunmanway, Co Cork, a lorry driver of Cork Road, Dunmanway and the owner of the lorry Mr Henry McCarthy and Company Limited with registered offices at Adhada, Rostellan, Midletown, Co Cork.
Mr Sweeney (33) was a passenger in a car driven by Mr Mr Richard O'Farrell a builder of Georges Street, Mitchelstown, Co Cork, when it collided with a lorry owned by Mr McCarthy and Company being driven by Mr David Murray.
The accident occurred on October 26th, 2001 near Corracunna Cross, Mitchelstown, Co Cork.
It was alleged, in defence, that Mr Sweeney was guilty of contributory negligence by failing to wear a seat belt.
Dr John O'Mahony SC for Mr Sweeney said his client was rendered unconscious in the accident and taken by ambulance to Cork University Hospital with serious head and other injuries.
He underwent a number of operations.
He later underwent rehabilitation with speech and language therapy and physio therapy. He did not remember any of the events during the weeks prior to the accident and had a vague recollection of his work prior to the accident.
He remained severely disabled and is unable to walk unaided. He has impairment of memory and concentration and would remain disabled and unable to work. Mr Sweeney had a personality change, could not control his temper and was unable to manage his affairs.
Mr Justice Johnson said that Mr Sweeney could not manage his affairs, he could not drive and basically was unable to work.
The judge was told an application would be made later to Mr Sweeney made a ward of court.