A young girl who suffered severe brain damage and injuries from alleged negligence at her birth at Tralee General Hospital has been awarded a total of €11 million in respect of her personal injury* claim.

The girl, through her mother, sued the HSE for damages arising from the severe personal injuries that she suffered at her birth. The case was initially heard by the High Court in 2010 and an interim award of €2 million in compensation was made.

The High Court was to make an assessment for her future care needs at a later date and it was hoped that legislation would have been introduced to allow for periodic payments instead of one lump sum at that date. As the legislation to allow for periodic payments was not in place when the matter came back before the High Court, the Judge was told that an additional payment of €9 million in compensation was agreed between the parties to fully settle the girl’s compensation claim.

*In contentious business a solicitor may not calculate fees or other charges as a percentage or proportion of any award or settlement.