Ryan -v- Dunnes Stores [2016] IEHC 337 (07 June 2016)

Ryan -v- Dunnes Stores [2016] IEHC 337 (07 June 2016)

The defendant failed in its duty to provide a safe means of access to and egress from the workplace by not adequately inspecting and repairing the stairs, resulting in a hazardous loose nosing that caused the plaintiff's fall and injuries. The plaintiff was not contributorily negligent, and the defendant's alternative explanations were not supported by evidence.

Citation
[2016] IEHC 337
Parties
Plaintiff: Joseph Ryan; Defendant: Dunnes Stores
Jurisdiction
Ireland
Judgment Date
07 June 2016
Procedural Posture
Personal Injuries / High Court Judgment
Outcome
Judgment for the plaintiff
Legal Topics
Employer's Liability, Negligence, Workplace Safety, Personal Injury, Aggravation of Pre Existing Condition
Tort Law Employment Law Employer's Liability Negligence Workplace Safety Personal Injury Aggravation of Pre Existing Condition

Case Brief

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Parties

Joseph Ryan

Plaintiff

Dunnes Stores

Defendant

Procedural Posture

Personal Injuries / High Court Judgment

Legal Issues

  1. 1 Whether the defendant was negligent in failing to provide a safe means of access to and egress from the workplace
  2. 2 Whether the plaintiff contributed to his injuries (contributory negligence)
  3. 3 Extent of damages attributable to the accident versus pre-existing conditions

Ratio Decidendi

The defendant failed in its duty to provide a safe means of access to and egress from the workplace by not adequately inspecting and repairing the stairs, resulting in a hazardous loose nosing that caused the plaintiff's fall and injuries. The plaintiff was not contributorily negligent, and the defendant's alternative explanations were not supported by evidence.

Court Disposition

Judgment for the plaintiff

Orders

  • Defendant to pay the plaintiff €64,020.63 in total damages, comprising €50,000 for pain and suffering to date, €10,000 for future pain and suffering, and €4,020.63 for special damages.