Award for devastating negligent spinal cord injury

Orla Kelly assisted by Angela O’Donovan in the Medical Negligence Department acted on behalf of a lovely, deserving couple in proceedings, arising out of the lady’s catastrophic spinal injury.  The injury was caused to her spine when a series of two consecutive spinal surgeries carried out by her orthopaedic surgeon left her paraplegic.  We gathered various expert reports from eminent spinal and orthopaedic surgeons who explained that a completely inappropriate surgical approach and technique had been planned in advance and used during her surgeries.

The matter was initially vigorously denied and she was stonewalled when she sought information about what had gone so drastically wrong.  She could not understand how she had gone from enjoying hillwalking to spending months as an inpatient in the National Rehabilitation Hospital (where she was admitted upon discharge from the Hospital where the surgeries took place) and reliant on a wheelchair and the assistance of others for the rest of her life.  She sought answers initially form the Hospital and relevant Surgeon but none were given.  At her request an Internal Report was requested from the hospital, and when eventually the matter was investigated and a Report prepared it denied any wrongdoing and failed to address the issues. This Report included the views of apparently independent Surgeons and medical professionals.  The Internal Report was disgraceful, in light of the admission and apology which eventually followed.

In addition, we gathered numerous reports to detail and support her injuries including the various knock-on injuries to her mental health, bowel and bladder, capacity to work and need for therapies including physiotherapy, seating, house adaptions and significant care requirements.

Ultimately after a long battle liability was admitted.  Mediation was held a few short weeks before the scheduled trial and the matter was successfully concluded without the need to go to court.  In addition to significant compensation for the couple, the Defendant gave a full apology and was required to pay our client’s legal costs.

Contact 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 proportion of any award or settlement.  Many Personal Injury Solicitors portray themselves as “no win no fee Solicitors Cork”. This term can be misleading and it is essential that you discuss fees with the Personal Injury Solicitor you ultimately choose. At Cantillons Solicitors, we are entirely transparent.