John Corcoran from Nenagh, Co Tipperary, an employee of the ESB for over 40 years who experienced substantial injuries due to the negligent working conditions he endured in 2016 has settled his action against the ESB for a substantial sum.

Today’s court ruling marks the end of an almost six-year legal battle for Mr Corcoran and his family. Mr Corcoran’s legal team at HOMS Assist, Robert A. Bourke and Sean Fitzgerald, successfully represented him in the case which was ruled in court today 14th January 2022. 

Despite repeated requests to the ESB for remote/mountain/ field visits, Mr Corcoran, who was at the time working as an engineering officer for the ESB suffered a horrendous attack from a large stag on Kilduff Mountain in Co. Tipperary while working on an ESB mast on 12th September 2016. 

He miraculously survived the shocking incident which left him unconscious and buried in a bush for over an hour and a half before being discovered and rushed to hospital. Mr Corcoran suffered a brain injury resulting in major cognitive difficulties, memory and hearing loss, balance impairment and difficulties with concentration along with soft tissue injuries as a result of the attack. 

John Corcoran, who has a full-time carer as a result of the accident, stated following the settlement:  

“It is deeply regrettable that this case and this accident occurred when it could so easily have been prevented with better support and working conditions from the ESB. While I am so grateful to be alive and be here today,  the attack I endured that day over five years ago will forever haunt me. No employee, particularly in the already dangerous line of work of the ESB, should ever be left alone especially when working so remotely. Being left for dead in a bush for over an hour and a half having narrowly escaped death is not a risk in the workplace that should ever be allowed to happen. I truly hope lessons have been learned.”

Sean Fitzgerald, Partner from HOMS Assist commented on the ruling: 

“We at HOMS Assist are proud to have represented Mr Corcoran in this case regarding this shocking workplace accident. It is miraculous that Mr Corcoran survived and we’re only grateful that his case is one that highlights the role of care and responsibility that employers have for their employees. We are pleased that Mr Corcoran now has some closure and that he and his family have the financial support for the care he requires for his life-changing injuries.”