Erris family of Turkish fall victim settle case

Erris family of Turkish fall victim settle case


Anton McNulty

The family of a Barnatra student nurse who died while on holiday in Turkey have settled their High Court action for wrongful death against tour operator Budget Travel.
Mary Linnane (20) of Derrynameel, Barnatra, Belmullet died tragically following a fall from an apartment balcony while on holiday in the Turkish resort of Kusadasi in 2008. Her family brought the case against the tour operators, Budget Travel Ltd (in liquidation), which admitted liability, and the Turkish owner of the building.
The High Court was informed on Friday that the action had been settled and as part of the settlement the family are to receive €25,000, the maximum payout allowed. Budget Travel had admitted liability and the settlement was against it only, the court was told.
The student nurse from DCU had travelled to the popular resort with friends and was on her first holiday abroad. She died in the early hours of July 22 after suffering a fatal fall at the apartment complex.
Her father Martin Linnane, sued Budget Travel and Vahap Donertas, the owner and operator of ‘Happy Apartments’. It was claimed that Ms Linnane’s death was caused by the defendants’ negligence because the window from which she fell was of low height and a safety chain was broken.
The court heard Ms Linnane fell to her death at about 5am on the second day of her holiday. She had slept in her bed by the window for some hours before that. It was claimed there was failure to comply with safety requirements in regard to the safe operation of windows.
Fergus Gallagher, solicitor for the Linnane family, said they were pleased Budget Travel had admitted liability and the case was over.