Brain Damaged Student Awarded 7 Million Euros Compensation

by | Jul 1, 2011

A twenty six year old woman, who was left irreparably brain damaged after her car was involved in a collision with a truck, has had a 7 million Euro compensation package approved in the High Court.

Valerie Bourke of Carrick-on-Suir, County Tipperary, had just turned 21 in May 2006, when the red Nissan Micra she was driving on the road between Carrick-on-Suir and Waterford was struck by a truck driven by Patrick Holden of Carigee, County Waterford.

Valerie was taken to the Waterford Regional Hospital suffering from catastrophic brain damage. She remained there until the following April, during which time she was unable to communicate, required twenty four hour care and was fed via a tube.

Valerie was then transferred to the National Rehabilitation Centre in Dun Laoghaire and six months later moved to a neuro-rehabilitation centre in England for further assessment of her needs. It was not until December 2008 – two and a half years after the accident – that she was able to return home.

Valerie´s parents built a special extension to their family home in order to accommodate her special needs but, although Valerie made a little progress with her mobility and cognitive functions, Mr Justice Iarfhlaith O’Neill at the High Court heard that prospects for Valerie´s future remained limited.

In an action against Patrick Holden and the owner of the truck – Stefan Gilchrist of Piltown, County Kilkenny – it was alleged that their negligent actions were responsible for Valerie´s injuries. Liability was admitted and the case was before Mr Justice Iarfhlaith O’Neill for assessment of damages only.

Announcing the settlement package of just over 7 million Euros, Mr Justice Iarfhlaith O’Neill said that 4 million Euros was to be put aside for Valerie´s future care and that an application was to be made to have Valerie made a ward of court.

Need Help?

If you have any legal questions arising from an injury then please call us now on our 24-Hour helpline on 1800-989 900

This is a free-to-call line to book a call with a Coleman Legal solicitor. There are no charges or obligations for using this service and you will NOT be pressured into making a claim or using our services. We always respect your privacy and comply with GDPR regulations.