Case Study
Our client, a 55-year-old man, suffered life-changing injuries after a hospital failed to diagnose and treat an abdominal aortic aneurysm (AAA) in time. Despite presenting to A&E late at night, there was a seven-hour delay before a CT scan confirmed the diagnosis. Surgery did not begin until 08:00, by which point extensive internal bleeding had caused major complications.
Proper, timely intervention would have meant an easier repair, shorter recovery, and full return to health. Instead, our client now lives with long-term disabilities: an ischaemic left lumbar plexopathy causing weakness of the left leg, with loss of balance and detrusor muscle function requiring permanent bladder catheterisation. He is restricted in terms of mobility and every-day living and simple activities have become an ordeal for him. He requires the use of a Zimmer frame to mobilise. The impact extends deeply to his family relationships.
The High Court recognised the urgency of his situation and fast-tracked the case. Following mediation, it settled for €1.65 million, ensuring provision for his ongoing care needs.