A man who suffered a brain injury after falling head first through a roof-light opening at a school in Dalkey, Co Dublin, has secured €1.6m damages at the High Court.
Carl Cunningham, Church Road, East Wall, Dublin, was a roofer at the time of the incident at Loreto Abbey secondary school on July 5th, 2004.
He had sued McGrane Roofing and Cladding Ltd, Abbeyvale Lawns, Swords Manor, Swords, Co Dublin; Richard Howlin Contracting Ltd, Ballingly Enterprise Centre, Ballingly, Welllingtonbridge, Co Wexford; and H and E Roofing Ltd, of Robinhood Road, Clondalkin, Dublin.
It was alleged the defendants failed to have sufficient regard for Mr Cunningham’s safety while he was engaged in his work and provided a dangerous workplace. It was also claimed the defendants failed to provide scaffolding or nets under the roof vents so as to prevent anyone falling through onto the floor below.
Liability was conceded by the defendants. Claims against Loreto Education Trust Company Ltd were struck out.
Senior counsel Aedan McGovern, for Mr Cunningham, told Ms Justice Maureen Clark an offer of €1.6 million had been made and the Cunningham family were happy with that offer.
An application would also be made to the President of the High Court concerning wardship, counsel added.
Mr Cunningham said he hoped to secure a home in the Marino area of Dublin with part of the settlement. He also paid tribute to his family for the help they had given to him since the incident.
Ms Justice Clark said she had no hesitation in approving the settlement and the matters raised by Mr Cunningham could be dealt with in the wardship process.