Case Study: March 2022
Cian O’Carroll Solicitors successfully concluded High Court proceedings on behalf of our client, a young man who suffered catastrophic and life-changing injuries following negligent medical treatment of a stroke at Waterford Regional Hospital.
Our client was brought to the emergency department by ambulance, presenting with left-sided weakness. CT imaging confirmed a large right-sided stroke, and he was admitted to the hospital’s stroke unit. At that stage, he was conscious, responsive, and able to move his legs and follow commands. The plan was to repeat CT imaging if his condition deteriorated.
Later that same day, his neurological condition began to worsen significantly. Despite obvious signs of deterioration, no repeat CT scan was performed for almost 24 hours. When the scan was finally undertaken, it revealed extensive brain swelling and a dangerous midline shift of the brain resulting from the intracranial pressure of the expanding bleed causing brain damage. Only then was he transferred urgently to Cork University Hospital where emergency neurosurgery was carried out to save his life.
Tragically, the delay in recognising and responding to his deterioration, and the resulting delay in performing the repeat scan, caused catastrophic and irreversible brain injury. He has been left with severe physical and cognitive disabilities and a permanent loss of independence.
Following intensive preparation and expert evidence, the case was successfully settled through mediation, with €1 million in damages recovered on his behalf. The award provides compensation for his pain and suffering, loss of earnings, care needs, medical treatment, and future supports, offering long-term security for him and his family after this devastating injury.