THE HIGH Court has approved a €1.75 million settlement for a young man who suffered severe brain injuries following a road traffic collision.
Conor Donegan, then an apprentice plumber, was 19 years old when the car he was driving struck a wall following a collision with another vehicle near Inch, Listowel, Co Kerry, on February 9th, 2007. He has been left with a traumatic brain injury.
Mr Donegan, now 24, of Cleandries, Causeway, Co Kerry, sued the driver of the other car, Gerard Guerin, Ardoughter, Ballyduff, Co Kerry, for alleged negligence and breach of duty of care.
In his defence, Mr Guerin argued he was driving his car at an appropriate speed when his vehicle went out of control after driving on to black ice on the road.
Mr Justice John Quirke approved a settlement offer of €1.75 million and also heard that an application would be made to have Mr Donegan made a ward of court.
Mr Donegan had injuries to his chest and arms, fractures to his neck and ribs and swelling to his brain. He spent some time in hospital and has had to undergo physiotherapy and speech and occupational therapy. He was also referred to the National Rehabilitation Hospital in Dún Laoghaire.
He has been left with both co-ordination and cognitive problems, the court heard. These include difficulties with his concentration and attention span and reduced power in his left hand.
The court was also told he had memory lapses and was unable to complete his plumbing apprenticeship.