A recent High Court decision in which three Gardai sought compensation for injuries maliciously inflicted on them resulted in very small awards. The cases, which took a number of years to come to Court, involved Gardai who had been maliciously injured on duty. The State heavily contested the case and argued that the injuries were “minor in nature” and asked the Court to refuse compensation to the injured Gardai.
The Court accepted that the Gardai had suffered from anxiety disorders and physical injuries but the awards were well below sums currently being awarded by the Injuries Board. Gardai have criticised the Judgement as being unfair and it has damaged morale.
Liam Moloney, personal injuries Solicitor said today “the whole system of compensating injured Gardai needs to be urgently addressed. These cases are taking years to come to Court, there is no provision for early settlement and the awards are too low. While injuries may be maliciously inflicted upon a Garda in the course of his duty, that injury may have been caused or contributed by somebody else’s negligence. If Gardai have no confidence that the scheme will properly compensate them then what is to stop them seeking compensation elsewhere.
This decision will inevitably lead to further claims. If you contrast the compensation currently payable from the Injuries Board compared to the awards received by the Gardai in this test case, it is clear that Gardai are being discriminated against.”
For further information please contact:
Liam Moloney, Solicitor
Email liammoloney@moloneysolicitors.ie
Tel 045 898000