Family of bin man allegedly hit by refuse truck in Dublin settle action over his death

High Court Reporter

The family of a bin man who was killed when it was claimed he was hit by a refuse truck as he gathered up wheelie bins in a Dublin estate has settled High Court actions over his death.

Tomasz Orzel was an employee of Padraig Thornton Waste Disposal Ltd when the accident happened at an estate in Tallaght five years ago.

Counsel for the Orzel family Sara Moorehead SC instructed by Anderson and Gallagher solicitors told the court, cases brought for nervous shock and also over the death of Mr Orzel had been settled. Counsel said the actions arose out of a very tragic accident.

Mr Orzel's wife, Anna of Clondalkin, Dublin, had sued Padraig Thornton Waste Disposal Ltd with offices at Park West Business Park, Dublin, as a result of the accident.

Mr Orzel was an employee of Thornton Waste Disposal and it is claimed on March 19th, 2020, he was working at Dun and Oir Road, Old Bawn, Tallaght, Dublin, when suddenly and without warning the bin truck reversed and collided with him.

In the proceedings it was claimed there was an alleged failure to provide a safe place of work for Mr Orzel and an alleged failure to notice him timely or at all.

It was further claimed there was an alleged failure to use any or any adequate care when reversing the bin lorry and that music and been allegedly playing at such a volume that the alarm was not heard.

It was further contended that there was an alleged to ensure that there was any or any adequate system in place for raising an alarm when the bin lorry was being reversed so as to avoid a risk of injury to employees,

All of the claims were denied.

Noting the settlements, Mr Justice Paul Coffey extended his deepest sympathy to Ms Orzel and her son.