Donegal man awarded 100K for nightclub injuries

A Donegal man who suffered serious facial injuries after he fell through a glass door following an incident outside a nightclub has been awarded €100,600 in High Court damages.
The award was made to 37 year-old Paul Brady of The Beeches, Ballybofey.
Mr Brady was left with severe facial disfigurement after he tried to break up a fight when he left Stampies nightclub in Ballybofey on October 27, 2002 with friends.
He brought a claim for damages against Bridget Heeney and her sons Terence Michael and Aidan Heeney, who are the owners and operators of the nightclub.
In his action, the painter and decorator claimed the club failed to supervise the area to the rear of the nightclub and there was also failure to ensure there was an adequate number of bouncers in the club and in the yard.
The claims were denied, and it was argued Mr Brady failed to have regard for his own safety, exposed himself to injury, and engaged in an activity that he knew was dangerous and unsafe.
In his judgment  Mr Justice Kevin Cross found the defendants were negligent arising from a failure that night in their “normally excellent security system”.
Mr Brady had suffered serious injuries which were unsightly and permanent, but he did not exaggerate his suffering in his evidence to the court, the judge said.
He awarded damages of €100,600 and also granted a stay on his decision pending an appeal.