A High Court judge yesterday approved a £400,000 settlement for a man who received near-fatal head injuries in a road accident in Co Galway in 1994 and who is now suffering from severe cognitive dysfunction.
The sum was awarded to Mr Luke Noel Keane (44), of Calla, Roundstone, Co Galway, a father of two, who is in Merlin Park Hospital, Galway. Mr Justice O'Donovan earlier turned down an offer of £300,000.
The action was taken by Mr Keane's wife, Tina, who sued Celtic International Insurance Company Ltd (CII) of Salthill, Galway. The company was the insurer of a car which was in a collision with Mr Keane's van at Cossaun Cross, Athenry, on the night of February 26th, 1994.
The driver of the car, Mr Gerard Broderick, of Laraghmore, Ballyglunin, Tuam, Co Galway, died from his injuries.
Ms Keane was made a payment of £60,000 out of the settlement to cover alterations to the family home and other expenses since the accident. Mr Keane, a plasterer and roofer, suffered a fracture of the skull and brain injuries which required major surgery. The court heard he requires continuing psychological and physical rehabilitation and constant care and will have significant cognitive dysfunction for the rest of his life.
Mr Ronnie Robbins SC, for Mr Keane, said it was almost inevitable his client would be made a ward of court.
Mr Justice O'Donovan said he had refused to approve an offer from the insurance company and since then it had been increased to £400,000, a figure he was prepared to accept. An application could be made to the President of the High Court to have Mr Keane made a ward of court, he added.