Former Roscommon footballer who sued over crash injuries settles case

A former inter-county footballer with Roscommon who sued over injuries sustained in a road traffic collision has settled a High Court action.

On February 8th, 2023, David Casey was involved in a two-vehicle road traffic collision. Mr Casey, of Lake View, Boyle, Co Roscommon, alleged that negligence on the part of the other driver involved, Laura Cox, resulted in his suffering with severe injuries, including a brain injury.

Mr Casey’s case against Ms Cox, of Tooreen, Ballyhaunis, Co Mayo came before the High Court this week for the purposes of assessing damages to be paid out to Mr Casey.

On Friday, Jonathan Kilfeather SC, appearing with Keith O’Grady BL for Mr Casey and instructed by solicitor Damien Tansey, told Ms Justice Denise Brett the case had been settled.

On Thursday, as the case was about to open, Edward Walsh SC, for Ms Cox, claimed that Mr Casey was withdrawing certain substantial claims for care expenses that had previously been pursued.

Mr Walsh, who appeared with Maura McNally SC and Frank Martin BL, and instructed by solicitor Declan O’Flaherty, said that these claims were being dropped right before trial without explanation.

Mr Kilfeather said only claims for general damages and damages for loss of earnings were being pursued in the case.

Counsel said that expenses relating to Mr Casey’s care needs, which were referenced in an expert report exchanged in the proceedings, had not been pleaded in his client’s case.

Mr Casey’s case claimed he suffered a traumatic brain injury in the crash, resulting in various difficulties, including with his speech and fatigue.

The court heard that he also suffers with depression.

It was also claimed that Mr Casey suffered physical injury to his neck and shoulder on account of the collision.

Prior to the collision, Mr Casey, a trained carpenter, operated a business specialising in door manufacturing. It was claimed that as a result of the injuries sustained, his business ceased to operate.

Mr Casey had also been previously employed by An Post, but was on a career break at the time of the collision.

Mr Casey played senior football for Roscommon for over a decade.