A RUC detective inspector told the High Court yesterday he still has problems in the use of his right hand after he fell on a train in Dundalk railway station.
Det Insp Alan Mains (38) said he received wrist and shoulder injuries when he fell and has continued to have problems with his wrist despite an operation.
The RUC officer, with an address at Dundonald, Belfast, is seeking damages from Iarnrod Eireann following the incident, which happened during a shunting operation in Dundalk railway station on February 13th, 1995.
Mr Justice Smith was told that liability was admitted by Iarnrod Eireann and the only issue to decide was the amount of damages to be paid to the RUC officer.
Det Insp Mains told the court that on February 13th, 1995, he was standing in the bar of the main Dublin-Belfast train which was stopped in Dundalk railway station.
During a shunting operation the train jerked violently, and he was thrown across the carriage, injuring both his shoulder and wrist.
He was later X-rayed, received painkillers and underwent an operation and physiotherapy. However, his wrist had not healed. Driving affected his shoulder injury and he had difficulty playing with and lifting his young daughter.
The RUC man said he was taking an academic course in criminology but had difficulty writing and even with simple things like shaking hands. He had had to give up his rugby career, and his golf was also affected.
An orthopaedic surgeon, Mr Paul McGinn, said it was likely that the inspector would have to undergo a further operation on his wrist. If this was not successful, the options were very limited.
Mr Justice Smith said he would deliver his judgment in the case next Tuesday.