The High Court has awarded more than €60,000 damages to a member of the Garda Síochána who suffered a broken shoulder and post-traumatic stress disorder after he was injured while operating a checkpoint.
Gda Thomas Finnan (45) was injured when a lorry being inspected by him at a checkpoint at Warrenstown, Johnstown Co Kilkenny, was struck from behind by an SUV. The impact propelled the lorry about 40ft forward, and it struck Gda Fanning on the right side of his body, the court heard.
The incident occurred while Gda Finnan and his colleagues were operating a Garda checkpoint between 11pm and 11.30pm on April 22nd, 2008.
Mr Justice Iarfhlaith O’Neill said he was satisfied the garda had suffered the injuries and awarded him total damages of €60,303, plus costs. Liability in the matter was admitted earlier, and it was before the court for assessment of damages only.
Gda Finnan, based in Tipperary town, had alleged negligence and breach of duty against the owner of the SUV, Michael Carew, Leugh, Thurles, Co Tipperary. It was claimed Mr Carew caused the collision and drove without care and attention and without reasonable consideration.
Gda Finnan, who was at the front of the lorry when the collision occurred, said he suffered severe personal injuries, including fractures to his right shoulder, and post-traumatic stress disorder as a result of the incident. He was some months out of work afterwards.
In his ruling, Mr Justice O’Neill said he was satisfied from the evidence that while Gda Finnan had made “a pretty good recovery”, he had suffered “a significant injury to his shoulder” and had been left with restricted movement in his shoulder.
The judge said he was also satisfied Gda Finnan suffered from post-traumatic stress disorder and had nightmares and flashbacks in the aftermath of the incident. The judge added he was confident the garda would also recover from those injuries.