Student awarded 2.75m over rugby match brain injury

A file image of Lucas Neville and his mother Michelle Neville outside the High Court in Dublin. The former St Michaels College student was today awarded 2.75 million damages for a brain injury suffered during a rugby match. Photograph: Collins

A young man who suffered a serious head injury during a schools rugby match has secured 2.75 million damages, plus costs, under a settlement approved by the High Court today.

Lucas Nevilles mother Michelle told Ms Justice Mary Irvine she was consenting to the offer made but it was a matter of regret to herself and her son they have never received any apology from either his former school or St Vincents Hospital arising from the injury he had suffered.

What happened to him and what he went through should not have happened, she said.

Mr Neville had sued his former school, St Michaels College, Ailesbury Road, Dublin, and St Vincents Healthcare Group, as owner of St Vincents Hospital, Elm Park, Dublin, arising from the injury in November 2009.

Both defendants had admitted liability but disputed Mr Nevilles claim for some 5 million damages.

A central dispute between the sides related to the fact the 5 million claim included a 2 million amount for future care.

The case was at hearing for several days before Mr Justice Sean Ryan to assess damages and that assessment hearing was due to resume tomorrow.

However, after talks between the sides, Ms Justice Mary Irvine was told today an offer of 2.75 million, plus costs, had been made.

Bruce Antoniotti SC, for Mr Neville, said while his side considered the value of the case some 10 per cent more than the offer, there was a risk Lucas could get less as the damages aspect was being hard fought and had been running for some two weeks so far.

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Student awarded 2.75m over rugby match brain injury