Home > Browne & Murphy News > €67 million in compensation paid out by HSE

By Caroline Browne, Partner New figures reveal that the Health Service Executive paid out almost €67 million in compensation for medical malpractice during birth procedures over the last 5 years, new figures reveal. In total €165 million was paid out to patients, patients’ families and next of kin, as a result of incidents which occurred in HSE hospitals up until December 31st 2014.

Individual cases:

€13.5 million- Gill Russell, 2014 Gill Russell was born on the morning of 12 July, 2006 in Ernville Hospital, Co Cork after a number of complications during the birth. He was unable to pass out onto his mother’s pelvic bone – causing a severe shoulder dystocia meaning his mother was made to undergo symphysiotomy. After the birth Gill was transferred to Cork University Hospital where he stayed for two months. He will never be able to walk nor will he have the use of his arms. He is able to communicate through the use of eye movements using a specialist computer. Both the HSE and Cork University Maternity Hospital admitted liability. Gill received the largest ever personal injury settlement in the history of the State as a result of brain damage caused at birth.

€11 million- Bríd Courtney, 2012 Bríd Courtney’s was born in the maternity unit of Tralee General Hospital in February 2003. Nine year old Brid who is confined to a wheelchair took the case through her mother Deirdre Courtney, of Killeacle, Ardfert, arising from the circumstances of her birth in February 2003. The case was before the court two years ago when an interim settlement was made for €2m. In the absence of such legislation, the case returned to the court where the judge was told a further €9m would be required for the future care needs of the child. The settlement was agreed without admission of liability by the HSE.

€8.5 million- Dylan Gaffney Hayes, 2013 Dylan Gaffney Hayes was born in Waterford Regional Hospital in 2007. Complications during the birth caused him to develop cerebral palsy, which necessitated the use of a wheelchair. We understand that being the victim of negligent medical care can be particularly distressing and the prospect of pursuing a claim for compensation daunting.

Our aim is to take the stress out of the situation guiding you through the claims process and treating you and your case with confidentiality, sensitivity and respect. We believe that if you have suffered a loss because of another’s negligence you should receive an explanation as to why this happened and be adequately compensated for the harm caused. We do not promise more than can be achieved but we do offer a safe pair of hands, experience and expertise, and the promise that all our efforts will be centred on achieving the best possible outcome for you, efficiently and effectively.

At the initial consultation we will discuss your potential claim with you in detail without obligation offering an immediate and practical assessment and advise you on the best course of action relevant to your individual circumstances. If you have been the victim of negligent medical care and suffered injury, loss and damage as a result you may be entitled to make a claim for compensation.

If you wish to discuss a potential claim or would like advice on any matter, please Contact Us for a consultation.

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