Brain Injury Victim Receives €1.9 Million Settlement

Click here to read Irish Times news article

In 2012, Kareem Al Balooty was a backseat passenger in a car. The car veered off the road and struck a pole. Al Balooty suffered from a traumatic brain injury as a result of the accident. He currently lives in a nursing home in Limerick and can only walk with the assistance of crutches.

Mr Al Balooty was represented by Tiernan & Co Solicitors, in his lawsuit against the driver of the car, Mr Monam Hassan. The accident occurred on November 28^th, 2012. Mr Hassan’s vehicle left the road and hit a pole. Mr Al Balooty’s lawsuit alleged that the vehicle was operated in a dangerous manner with regard to the road and the condition of the vehicle. He also alleged the vehicle was not properly maintained. Mr Hassan countered and alleged Mr Al Balooty contributed to his injuries because he was not wearing a seatbelt during the time of the accident.

Mr Al Balooty suffered from a bleed on the brain stem, fracture of his spine, and a fracture to the right side of his skull. In regards to whether he was wearing a seatbelt at the time of the accident, Mr Al Balooty stated that he did not remember. Once a prominent Iraqi linguist involved in the ministry of oil, Mr Al Balooty can no longer speak four languages because of the injuries he suffered and the time he spent in a coma.

Liam Reidy, SC for Mr Al Balooty, stated that there was black ice on the road at the time of the crash. A witness to the accident testified that the road was, indeed, slippery from black ice. Mr Hassan denied any knowledge of the road being slippery. Mr Justice Kevin Cross approved a settlement of €1.9 million for Mr Al Balooty and wished him and his caretakers well.