A High Court judge has made a personal injuries award of €90,000 to a mixed martial arts fighter and member of the Defence Forces.
Martin Ward, from Athlone in Westmeath, took the case against the Axa insurance company following a road collision four years ago.
Mr Ward was a backseat passenger and suffered injuries to his back, hip and legs.
In his judgment, Mr Justice Denis McDonald said the award was outside the normal range, but he said Mr Ward had suffered a traumatic injury that had a series impact on his career as an elite athlete.
Referring to the video footage shown in court of Mr Ward competing successfully in a fight after the accident - in September 2015 - the judge said that to the untrained eye, it was a remarkable accomplishment.
However, he said the court had heard evidence of how Mr Ward had lost the ‘explosive power’ in his left leg and he was not performing at the height of his powers before the accident.
Judge McDonald said Mr Ward’s evidence had been strongly corroborated by orthopaedic surgeon, Desmond Mackey, who said adrenaline could have masked pain, which recurred after the fight.
Dr Mackey said the injuries would not have seriously affected a person carrying out normal activities but they had a huge effect on an elite athlete.
He said Mr Ward’s strength and fitness had stood to him in overcoming his injuries.
The judge said medical evidence showed Mr Ward had made a complete recovery but he made the award of €90,000 for past pain and suffering.
The judge put a stay of €30,000 in the event of an appeal.
In statement, Colm Featherstone from Axa said the company was extremely disappointed with the decision but would not be commenting further until a full transcript of the judgment was received.
