Ronan Hynes, Partner of MHP Sellors LLP has secured a €925,000 settlement for a young man who suffered a traumatic brain injury after falling onto an exposed concrete floor in a Limerick gym. The case highlights key issues around gym safety, premises liability, and long‑term effects of brain injuries following preventable accidents.

 

What Happened

The client was weight‑training when he became light‑headed. As he stepped away from the weights area, he experienced a sudden leg cramp, lost balance on a step, and fell onto an unprotected concrete floor. Protective mats had reportedly been removed due to anticipated flooding, leaving the area unsafe.

He briefly lost consciousness and was diagnosed with a brain bleed, requiring a 12‑day hospital stay. Ongoing symptoms—particularly fatigue but also problems with cognitive function such as memory, attention and concentration—have significantly impacted his ability to work full‑time in his specialist scientific role.

 

The Legal Issues

This was a contested liability case, involving:

• Unsafe floor surface and missing protective mats;
• Unsafe step design beside the weights area;
• Lack of hazard warnings;
• Issues relating to membership status;
• Statute‑barred arguments raised by the defence.

Despite these challenges, our serious injury team built a strong case with engineering, safety, and medical evidence.

 

Outcome

The case settled for €925,000, without admission of liability.

The award reflects:

• The seriousness of the brain injury;
• Long‑term cognitive deficits including fatigue;
• Reduced working capacity;
• Ongoing functional effects on day‑to‑day life.

This result demonstrates the value of early specialist rehabilitation reports and strategic litigation planning in serious injury claims.

 

Why This Case Matters

Ronan Hynes, Partner in the Healthcare team at MHP Sellors LLP commented that:

This settlement reinforces the critical responsibilities of gyms and sports facilities, including:

• Maintaining safe, padded flooring in high‑risk zones;
• Proper risk warnings;
• Safe design around weights areas; and
• Clear membership access controls.

 When safety lapses occur, the consequences can be life‑changing. The case also highlights the need for greater awareness of the consequences of traumatic brain injuries and the need for greater investment in holistic supports for individuals who sustain acquired brain injuries in Ireland.

Client Review

Ronan Hynes represented us in a complex brain injury case which took several years to finalise and was traumatic for our family. We found Ronan extremely professional and thorough at every stage of the case and we had full confidence in his advice and guidance. Ronan’s perseverance and legal expertise were instrumental in reaching a successful settlement of our case following a difficult litigation process. We have no hesitation in recommending Ronan and MHP Sellors as professional, client-centred legal advisors.

Contact 

For expert legal advice and support on legal issues surrounding traumatic brain injuries and brain injury supports, please contact Ronan Hynes, Partner or a member of our Healthcare & Serious Injury team on 061 414 355 or alternatively via email at [email protected]