Courts / Tipperary / Report

Law lecturer resolves action over serious car crash

Date
2020-02-14

Stage
Trial

Primary locality
Nenagh

Summary

A damages action brought by Diarmuid Rossa Phelan, a barrister and law lecturer at Trinity College Dublin, against Catherine O'Meara, otherwise Sheehan O'Meara, has been resolved. The case, heard before Mr Justice David Keane, concerned serious injuries Mr Phelan sustained as a passenger in a road traffic accident on August 3, 2008, near Clashnevin, Nenagh, Co Tipperary. It was alleged that the defendant, driving a vehicle she owned, struck the nearly stationary vehicle from behind due to negligence, including failing to keep a proper lookout, excessive speed, and driving an unfit vehicle. Liability was not contested; the trial stage focused solely on the assessment of damages. Mr Phelan claimed significant personal and professional disruption, citing ongoing pain to his spine, neck, knee, and pelvis, along with soft tissue damage and bruising. He reported that his recovery has been poor and that he continues to undergo treatment. During the proceedings, counsel Des O'Neill SC, appearing with Alistair Rutherdale BL for the plaintiff, informed the court that discussions between the parties had been successful. Consequently, the case was struck out with an order for costs in favour of the plaintiff. Fergus O'Hagen SC, representing the defendant, consented to this disposal. The judge praised both sides for their efforts in reaching a settlement and wished Mr Phelan well in his continued recovery.