Ryanair ground operative sues over fall on ice

A Ryanair ground operative is suing the airline and the Dublin Airport Authority (DAA) for alleged negligence over injuries suffered after he fell on ice while at work more than four years ago.

Karl Smith (56), of Maple House, Applewood, Swords, Co Dublin, says he struck his head off a concrete bollard after slipping on  ice and snow and lost consciousness for a number of seconds to minutes on December 10th, 2010.

He claims he was walking from the staff break room to the security checkpoint along a designated walkway when he slipped.

He claims the walkway should have been cleared of the ice and snow so he had a safe place of work.

The defendants deny the claims and contend Mr Smith took a shortcut which led to the fall.

The High Court heard, after the fall, he was taken to Beaumont Hospital and treated.   He claimed he had severe headaches immediately after the incident and continued to suffer from headaches for a number of months afterwards.

The case continues before Mr Justice Michael Hanna.