Maria Flood a university employee who suffered serious personal injuries in a road traffic accident on the 5th of December 2011 at Maynooth County Kildare has been awarded €154,000 in damages by The High Court.
The case came before The High Court as an assessment of damages with an agreement on liability already having been agreed with 65% in favour of Ms Flood.
Ms Flood’s Injuries
Ms Flood sustained injuries to her neck and shoulder and had to receive injection therapy from her GP and Orthopaedic Surgeon. She was referred to a Consultant Pain Specialist in The Hermitage Medical Clinic who arranged for her to be admitted for cervical facet injections.
Ms Flood received some benefit from the injection treatment and subsequently underwent a lumbar fusion which was in relation to a lower back problem which was not related to the accident.
Ms Flood had ongoing pain in her neck with cramping and pins and needles and numbness in her hand. She took tramadol for pain. Her pain specialist told The Court that he felt Ms Flood would get further improvement with the treatment such as physiotherapy, medication and botox injections.
Ms Flood continued to suffer neck and shoulder pain on a constant basis which was affecting many aspects of her life. Ms Flood often experienced pain while working at a computer, carrying her shopping bags and doing household chores. The Judge accepted that she would require significant treatment into the future.
In assessing damages Judge Barr held that the appropriate amount for general damages at the full value of the case was €150,000, the amount for pain and suffering into the future was €75,000 and as special damages were agreed at €12,724.53 he awarded an overall sum of €237,724.53 with Ms Flood being entitled to 65% thereof giving a nett award of €154,520.94.
