An action by a drugs sales employee who alleged he suffered two nervous breakdowns because of extensive work overload has been settled at the High Court.
Mr William Quinn (53), with an address at Morehampton Road, Donnybrook, Dublin, is believed to have accepted a substantial six-figure sum from his former employers, Servier Laboratories Ireland Ltd, with registered offices at AMEV House, Blackrock, Co Dublin.
Following discussions between the parties yesterday, Mr Aongus O Brolchain SC, for Mr Quinn, told Mr Justice Johnson the case had been settled.
Mr Quinn had sought damages from his former employers because of two nervous breakdowns which he allegedly suffered in 1994 due to work overload.
He said he suffered the first after his sales position was changed to include visiting 250 general practitioners in south Dublin and north Wicklow in addition to calling on the 17 teaching hospitals throughout the Republic.
When he returned to work, he was given a new assignment, calling on 440 general practitioners and county hospitals in the north-east.
Mr Quinn said he had been on medication since 1994 and had been unable to work since, although his intention was to return to some form of employment.
When he left Servier, he had been replaced by "two and a half employees", he said. Servier, in its defence, pleaded that if Mr Quinn did suffer a nervous breakdown, personal injuries or loss, these were not contributed to by any factor or matter arising out of his employment with the company.
It also denied the injuries were caused by any alleged negligence or breach of duty or breach of contract on its part.
Afterwards Mr Quinn said his action was being watched by trade unions, the pharmaceutical industry and the medical profession.