Young man seriously injured in log splitter accident settles case

A High Court action by a young man whose hand was seriously injured in a log splitter accident has been settled.

Ted Roche (22), of Ballyscanlon, Fenor, Tramore, Co Waterford, sued stud farm owner Paul Shanahan over the accident at Mr Shanahan's Ashtown Stud, Kilmacthomas, Co Waterford, on September 22, 2019.

The court heard Mr Roche, who was 17 at the time, was working at a log splitter with a 17-year-old girl who was operating a lever, which brought down a guillotine when the accident happened.

It was alleged the defendant was negligent and in breach of duty by, among other things, allowing a child to use a dangerous log splitter for which he had no training or supervision.

Liability is admitted and the case came before the court for assessment of damages only.

The court heard Mr Roche was a talented young rugby player who had attended a number of trials for Munster and was working weekends at the Shanahan farm when the accident happened.

He underwent an 11-hour operation that night in which a plastic surgeon reattached his hand saving three of his fingers but losing the top of his index finger.

During occupational therapy the following month, he said he heard a crack in his hand and he had to undergo three further surgeries.

He said the injury had ended his rugby career and significantly restricted his ability to carry out ordinary daily tasks.

Simple things like buttoning up a shirt now takes five minutes instead of a minute and he has to ask for assistance when it comes to other daily tasks.

The case opened on Thursday and was adjourned to Friday. Following talks, it was settled.