Man had leg amputated after being hit by rally car, court hears

A 25-YEAR-OLD man had to have his leg amputated as result of injuries he sustained after he was struck by a car taking part in an international rally event, the High Court heard yesterday.

Blaine Murphy suffered severe compound fractures to his left leg after he was struck by a Honda Civic which came off the road while he was watching a stage of the Galway International Motor Rally on February 5, 2005.

The incident occurred between Gort and Loughrea. The court viewed video images of the rally taken by Mr Murphy on a camcorder at the time the collision occurred.

Arising from his injuries Mr Blaine, with an address at Cashelmara Knocknacarra, Galway, has brought an action against the County Galway Motor Club Ltd, Irish Motorsport Federation Ltd (Motor Sport Ireland), Motor Sport Ireland Safety Team and Brian Melia, Old Church Street, Athenry Co Galway who was the driver of the rally car.

The rally was organised and operated by the first named defendants, County Galway Motor Club, under the auspices of Motor Sport Ireland. The third named defendant, which is a recognised club of Motor Sport Ireland, provided safety services for the rally.

Mr Murphy claims that his injuries were caused as a result of the negligence and breach of duty of care by the defendants.

It is further alleged that the first three defendants failed to carry out an adequate risk assessment for dangers in the area where Mr Murphy was watching the rally, failed to provide and define areas where spectators could stand, and failed to locate marshals in the area where Mr Murphy was standing.

It is also claimed that Mr Melia drove at excess speed, failed to keep a proper look out and failed to control his car in a safe and proper manner.

All four defendants have denied the claims. They argue that Mr Murphy contributed to his injuries on grounds including that he failed to keep a proper look out and that he was watching the rally from a location where he should not have been.

Edward Walsh SC, for Mr Murphy, said that on the date of the accident his client went to view the rally with some friends. Counsel said that nobody informed or warned his client and his companions they were in an area where they should not have been.

Counsel said the defendants seemed to be claiming that Mr Murphy should have watched the race at a location designated for spectators. However counsel said that the defence had been unable to produce evidence as to where those designated areas were located.

After the accident counsel said that Mr Murphy was taken to hospital by ambulance. However, his injuries were so severe that it was decided that he his left leg, from above the knee, had to be amputated. He had a prosthetic leg fitted.

The action continues.