In the headlines: Paul Murphy, the sole survivor of the Limerick Thomond Bridge tragedy, reaches a settlement

A significant legal settlement has been reached in Dublin High Court today regarding the case of Paul Murphy versus Paul Mulcair Limited, Gaelach Droichead Limited, Nationwide Crane Hire Limited, Palfinger Ireland Limited, Malachy Walsh and Company Limited, Limerick City and County Council and Palfinger Europe GMBH. The settlement resolves an incident that occurred on 29 August 2015 at Thomond Bridge, Limerick City, where Mr. Murphy was involved in a tragic crane accident.

While working for Paul Mulcair Limited, Mr. Murphy and his colleagues experienced a traumatic incident when a crane malfunctioned. The malfunction caused the cage, in which the three men were performing bridge repairs, to plummet into the River Shannon.  Mr. Murphy narrowly escaped with his life but tragically witnessed the loss of his colleagues, TJ O’Herlihy and Bryan Whelan. The incident left Mr. Murphy with severe physical and psychological injuries, including PTSD.

In a statement read by his solicitor, Robert Bourke, of HOMS Assist, Mr. Murphy said:

It is with deep disappointment that I must share that the defendants have accepted their responsibility for the accident but refused to issue an apology, a gesture that would have acknowledged the distress caused to me, my family and my deceased colleagues’ families.

Previously, related criminal proceedings led to fines for Palfinger Ireland Limited and Nationwide Crane Hire Limited due to breaches of the Health and Safety at Work Act. These outcomes highlight the critical need for stringent safety protocols in high-risk operations to prevent such tragedies.

Robert Bourke, Partner with HOMS Assist, remarked,

We hope today brings closure to my client Paul Murphy and his family. Every family deserves the assurance that when a loved one leaves for work in the morning, they will be in a safe environment and return home healthy and unharmed that evening.”

In his statement, Mr. Murphy extended special thanks to Limerick Marine Search & Rescue Services:

A settlement has been reached, bringing an end to the incident that occurred on 29th August 2015 at Thomond Bridge in Limerick City.

During maintenance work on Thomond Bridge, a crane’s man cage malfunctioned and we plunged into the deep waters of the River Shannon harnessed to a cage. I somehow escaped and survived. But I sadly witnessed the deaths of my friends & workmates , TJ O’Herlihy and Bryan Whelan. I think of them and their families every day.  I visit their graves when I can.

This accident has deeply affected me, caused physical injuries and to this day significant psychological effects including post-traumatic stress disorder. 

I realise that I was lucky to survive. 

It has also impacted my family; my wife – Karen – and children are constantly checking on my whereabouts and safety when I go to work.  I am cautious now about everything.

The last nine years since that day have been an horrendous ordeal. I relive the moments of that afternoon constantly. Today, thankfully, brings an end to the civil and criminal proceedings for me and hopefully over time we can put this into the past. 

I want to thank my legal team at HOMS Assist for their steadfast support and expertise. Their dedication in obtaining justice for our families, and in helping me find some closure after the tragedy. Their compassion and professionalism have been a source of strength for me and my family.

In particular, I would like to extend my thanks to the Limerick Marine Search & Rescue Services whose work, as volunteers, is invaluable, having benefited from their service first hand.

It is with deep disappointment that I must share that the defendants have accepted their responsibility for the accident but refused to issue an apology, a gesture that would have acknowledged the distress caused to me, my family and my deceased colleagues’ families. 

This incident and today’s settlement highlight the crucial need for strict safety protocols and the obligation of businesses to protect workers in high-risk situations. It serves as a reminder to industries engaging in such operations to prevent similar tragedies in the future.

Thank you.

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