Back to postCantillons Response to increased State Claims Agency Payments
Posted in [Blog Medical Negligence ] on Tuesday, September 13th, 2016
I read, with sadness, the reports of an increase in the amounts being paid out by the State Claims Agency in respect of medical negligence claims. I noticed the various statistics and figures that were furnished. I also note, with some alarm and concern, the absence of any reference to, firstly, the human trail of devastation that has been left behind as a consequence of these medical errors. I would have thought that some recognition might be had for those unfortunate people who have had their lives devastated. Secondly, there seems to be little emphasis on how the medical errors can be reduced. There is frequently talk about the medical profession now being under pressure as a result of “chronic under investment” and staffing “in crisis”. It would be foolish, in the extreme, to assume that the consequences of the under investment are merely pressures. They also have a consequence in human terms where peoples’ lives are being destroyed.As a medical negligence lawyer, I also want to take issue with Mr. Breen when he says that there is not a ‘defend and deny’ policy in place. I would have to say, with regret, that I have found the contrary in daily practice acting on behalf of patients who have been injured in our hospitals.Karen Kearney, Medical Negligence Solicitor at CantillonsContact us at Cantillons Solicitors at +353 (0)21 -4275673 or info@cantillons.com if you would like more information. * In contentious business, a Solicitor may not calculate fees or other charges as a percentage or any award or settlement. Share on Social
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Experience
In her twenty years as a practising solicitor, Karen has worked with a number of leading law firms in Limerick and Cork where she has acquired extensive experience in all areas of the law, with a particular expertise in medical negligence cases.
Karen has represented clients effectively in many forums including the District Court, Circuit Court, High Court, Employment Tribunals and Coroner’s Court. She has acted for, and advised, State Bodies in respect of all areas of the law to include childcare law; employment issues; food safety and health and safety issues.
Karen joined Cantillons Solicitors in November 2009 and works in the Medical Negligence Department practising clinical negligence litigation. She is expertly assisted by Patricia Sisk and April Wiseman, Legal Assistants.
She is very proud to be a member of the medical negligence team which has been involved in precedent-setting cases since 1980 and which received the inaugural award of Litigation Team of the Year, National Irish Bank Law Awards in 2012.
Karen regularly attends international conferences in order to add to her pool of her experts and ensure access to the world’s best. She is also regularly asked to speak at national and international conferences concerning medico-legal issues. She is a regular speaker at the annual Medical Law Conference; giving presentations on healthcare law, practice and procedure to employees in the healthcare section and fellow lawyers. This lecturing experience means that Karen has an excellent grasp of law in theory as well as in practice.
Karen has featured on national television and on local and national radio in relation to this specialised area of medical negligence litigation.She has been commissioned to write opinion pieces on topical issues in the medical negligence area, published in national newspapers. Notably, she first highlighted in the Irish Examiner, the Minister for Health’s failure to introduce a statutory Duty of Candour- a legal requirement for medical staff, nurses and management to tell patients and their families if a mistake has been made which adversely affects the patient’s health – despite the Minister’s promise to do so.
Karen also writes a weekly column in a local daily newspaper, the Evening Echo, addressing reader’s legal queries. This column appears in Monday’s edition of the paper.
Karen has developed real expertise in her field and has shown great dedication in pursuing complex injury cases to settlement.
Karen gets referrals from patients nationwide. She represents her patients with determination and compassion.
Qualifications
- BCL Honours 1992
- Admitted to the Roll of Solicitors in Michaelmas 1996
Associations
- Former Secretary of Limerick Bar Association
- Former member of the Litigation Committee of the Law Society of Ireland
- Member of the Medical Injuries Alliance
- Member of Action Against Medical Accidents (AvMA)