The High Court was informed on Thursday of a confidential settlement finalised by Paul Murphy, a 45-year-old father of two. Mr Murphy had been caught in a distressing crane accident at Thomond Bridge in Limerick, which led to the tragic deaths of two of his colleagues. Hugh Mohan SC, responsible for representing Mr Murphy, affirmed to the court that all involved parties approved progressing the plaintiff’s case solely based on the evaluation of damages.
He emphasised, with instructions from solicitors Holmes O’Malley Sexton, that responsibility in this matter had been admitted by the specified parties. These parties include Palfinger Ireland Ltd, Nationwide Crane Hire Ltd, Paul Mulcair Ltd, Gaelach Droichead Ltd (trading as Irish Bridge), Mulcahy Walsh & Co Ltd, Palfinger Europe GmbH, and Limerick City and County Council.
The fatal accident took the lives of Bryan Whelan, a 29-year-old from O’Briensbridge, and TJ O’Herlihy, a 36-year-old from Castleisland. These individuals, colleagues of Mr Murphy, tragically drowned in the river Shannon when the crane collapsed and dropped into the river with severe currents.
On the day of the tragic incident, August 29, 2015, the three men formed part of a team on duty for cleaning and restructuring tasks, operating from a crane cage placed by the Thomond Bridge. The court also heard how Mr Murphy, resident of Limerick’s Askeaton, courageously managed to remove his harness while submerged and sightless, and although his helmet was dislocated, his life jacket activated, leading to his rescue approximately 800 metres downstream by an on-site lifeboat crew.
The solicitor conveyed to the court that medical documents confirmed Mr Murphy experienced severe neck and muscle discomfort, revealing that the unfortunate incident had caused him considerable distress and trauma, even to the present day, with recurring vivid memories. Mr Mohan disclosed that assessments by specialist consultants established that Mr Murphy fulfilled the necessary parameters to be diagnosed with PTSD and would either bypass the bridge or visit it in remembrance of his colleagues. The ordeal prompted Mr Murphy to continuously contemplate the fragility and unpredictability of life, and it’s something he reflects on daily, added the solicitor. Upon reconvening after the lunch recess, Mr Mohan shared the news with Ms Justice Stewart that a resolution to the case had been achieved. Ms Justice Stewart acknowledged the significant trauma endured by Mr Murphy, including having to recount parts of the horrifying incident. She extended her best wishes to both Mr and Mrs Murphy for their path ahead.