Workplace Accident

Injury: Fractured wrist and psychological trauma

Case Settlement the sum of  €500,000

Settled by: Caoimhe McConnell.

Settled on: 18th August 2025.

Case Summary

Incident

Sean served as a long-time healthcare worker employed at a residential care facility. On the night of the incident, he worked alongside three other staff members, being the only male on duty at that time.

Sean, the Plaintiff, alleged that a resident at the care facility physically assaulted him. He had maintained a professional relationship with this resident for five years. The Defendant had previously displayed aggressive behaviour, and during the shift handover, Sean received a warning that the Defendant had been “difficult” earlier that day.

After the Defendant made their usual nightly phone call to a family member, they returned to their bedroom without incident. Later that night, however, the Defendant emerged, shouting and attempting to strike the staff members. Sean successfully calmed the Defendant, and they both returned to the resident’s room.

Upon entering the room, the door closed behind them. At this point, the Plaintiff alleges that the Defendant unexpectedly lunged at him and began punching and kicking him repeatedly. This forced Sean to back away and attempt to exit. While trying to open the door and shield himself, Sean struck his right hand against the metal door handle, resulting in a soft tissue injury and a fractured wrist. He managed to escape, but the Defendant pursued him into the hallway.

Sean completed an internal Accident and Adverse Incident Report the same day and reported the matter to management. He later visited his GP, who placed him on extended sick leave. During this time, Sean experienced persistent pain and severe psychological distress while unable to work following the assault.

Sean’s employers were responsible for providing and maintaining a safe environment and system of care for both the service users and their staff. They also had several statutory obligations to their staff, including providing a competent workforce equipped with the necessary skills to meet the varied needs of their clients and implementing appropriate systems to minimize risks to employees.

Case Progression

Partner Caoimhe McConnell instigated Court proceedings, and the case was brought to a successful conclusion. 

Case Settlement

The case was settled on the 18th of August 2025 for the sum of €500,000. This was a great result for our client, we proud of all the work put in by Caoimhe McConnell and her team to achieve this brilliant outcome. 

**the Plaintiff’s name has been changed for data protection reasons.

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Contact Sherwin O’Riordan

O’Riordan Solicitors becomes a crucial step towards securing the compensation you deserve. Our expert team specializes in personal injury claims involving wrist fractures, including distal radius fractures, scaphoid fractures, and other carpal bone injuries. These injuries often arise from slips, trips, and falls, road traffic accidents, or workplace incidents. We understand how profoundly a broken wrist can impact your daily life, requiring wrist surgery, extensive physiotherapy, and potentially leading to loss of earnings and severe emotional distress such as anxiety, PTSD, and depression.

Our dedicated personal injury lawyers will meticulously assess your case, gather all necessary medical evidence, including X-rays and MRI scans, and fight to ensure you receive fair compensation for your pain and suffering, medical expenses, and future care needs. Don’t let a fractured wrist injury and its psychological aftermath go unaddressed; reach out to Sherwin O’Riordan Solicitors today for a consultation and expert legal guidance.

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