A woman who suffered catastrophic injuries after falling while taking a shortcut home following a night out in Tramore has settled a High Court action for €2 million.

According to the Irish Independent, Monika Piech (40) suffered serious brain injuries in the incident, which occurred in the town in March 2019.

The High Court heard that Ms Piech now requires the use of a wheelchair and round-the-clock care as a result of her injuries.

The incident occurred at approximately 2am on March 17th, 2019, when Ms Piech was making her way home after a night out and had stopped to get a takeaway.

It was claimed that she tripped over loose wire in a grassy area before falling more than a metre onto the ground of an adjoining car park.

The wire was allegedly attached to a damaged fence which had been broken down and trampled.

Ms Piech landed on her head and was found unconscious, having sustained significant brain damage.

Her barrister, Michael Counihan SC, told the court that she was fortunate to have survived the fall.

The Irish Independent reports that investigating Gardaí subsequently discovered wire in the grassy area where the incident allegedly occurred.

The court also heard that although Ms Piech had consumed alcohol earlier that night, there was no suggestion that she was intoxicated.

High Court proceedings

Ms Piech, through her mother Malgorzata Piech, initiated legal proceedings against a number of parties following the incident.

However, the High Court was told that the €2 million settlement, reached following lengthy mediation, was against Bus Éireann.

The settlement reflected a 50/50 division of liability.

It was alleged during the proceedings that the damaged fencing and loose wire presented a danger to pedestrians.

Claims included an alleged failure to properly maintain the fencing, remove the damaged structure and warn members of the public about the potential hazard.

All allegations were denied.

Bus Éireann maintained that Ms Piech had failed to pay sufficient attention to her surroundings and had unnecessarily placed herself in danger, allegedly contributing to the incident.