The High Court has awarded €110,721 to James (otherwise Jimmy) Leeson in a personal injuries action arising from a workplace fall at Dublin Castle. The defendants had conceded liability, so the case proceeded solely to assess damages.
Leeson was employed by Banqueting Food Systems Limited as a corporate conference manager. On 24 October 2019, he fell on poorly illuminated steps while trying to enter the Printworks Event and Exhibition Centre to prepare catering for an early breakfast meeting. The court said his main injury was to his lower back; he also injured his right shoulder.
In evidence, Leeson described persistent lower back pain, spasms and symptoms in his left leg. His shoulder had recovered. The court considered agreed medical reports, his evidence and actuarial evidence on earnings. The medical evidence described pre-existing degenerative changes in his lower back that had become painful after the accident. The judge noted that Covid-related disruption had significantly impaired his rehabilitation and that he continued to need pain management treatment.
Justice Reynolds assessed general damages at €30,000 for the back injury and €6,000 for the shoulder injury, making €36,000. She awarded €35,000 for past loss of earnings and €34,000 for future loss of earnings. In calculating the future award, the judge reduced the actuarial claim to account for likely additional earning capacity and applied a 15% reduction under Reddy v Bates. A further €5,721 was agreed for medical and other out-of-pocket expenses.
The judgment’s addendum records directions made at a later mention hearing. The judge said the decree should be entered against the Office of Public Works alone, with the plaintiff’s costs, including reserve and discovery costs, to be adjudicated if not agreed. The proceedings against Banqueting Food Systems Limited were to be struck out with no further order. Recoverable benefits are to be dealt with under the legislation.
The judgment does not state the amount of costs or specify the recoverable benefits calculation.