The personal injuries action of a businessman who suffered serious injuries after a plane crash is currently before the High Court. The claimant suffered multiple fractures including a fractured skull , fractures to his ribs and injuries to his ribs and hands. He also suffered brain damage. The claimant Mr Barry has sued a number of defendants in proceedings before the High Court. The claimant described to the Court how he was trapped under the dead body of a pilot for two hours before he was rescued. The crash took place in 2007  when a group of Galway businessman were returning from a trip to the Aran Islands.

In addition to general damages for pain and suffering the claimant is seeking further compensation in the sum of 1.7 million euros for past and present future loss of earnings in relation to his own business interests. The Court wa told that prior to the incident Mr Barry was a highly motivated businessman and a qualified accountant. Since the accident he suffered from poor short term memory, claustrophia and has some difficulty speaking. He also described how he had to learn to walk again after the crash.

The case is interesting from the point of fixing liability and assessing liability as the injuries were very serious and the claimant obviously continues to suffer on a daily basis. The difficulty for the Court will be to assess the level of compensation payable for future losses and future pain and suffering.

by the Personal Injuries Department at Healy O’Connor Solicitors, Cork and Dublin.