Stable lad takes personal injury claim against boss

A stable lad claimed both of his wrists fractured when he was thrown from a horse but in his action for compensation, his employer denied the plaintiff was employed there on the date of the alleged accident.

Mr Justice Brian McGovern said after the first day of evidence yesterday at the High Court sitting in Cork: “I am faced with an irreconcilable conflict of facts.”

Garry O’Connor, aged 30, of 4 The Grove, Mitchelstown, Co Cork, claimed that on Feb 27, 2004, he was working as a stable lad. He said he was thrown from a horse causing the injuries to his wrists.

Mr O’Connor said he was employed by Seán O’Brien whose stud is at Killally, Kilworth, Co Cork.

Mr O’Brien said no accident occurred at his premises on Feb 27, 2004. He said the plaintiff did not commence his employment with him until May 3, 2004.

Mr Justice McGovern noted the plaintiff’s evidence was that the accident happened within two days of the arrival of the horse. He said records of the arrival dates of horses would help with the irreconcilable conflict and he asked for the resumption of the case today.