The family of a deceased woman who took a wrongful death action against the HSE has settled their claim for €50,000.

The family claimed that the HSE were guilty of negligence in failing to diagnose and take steps to deal with a perforated bowel. The HSE denied the claims.

It was claimed that the deceased woman presented to Mayo General Hospital in February 2009 in severe pain. It was claimed that x-ray and CT scans suggested obstruction in her small intestines and an obstruction in her bowel however there was no evidence of a perforation. It was also claimed that there was no doctor available to read the scan when it was taken and that the results were not available after the scan. The deceased woman had to have emergency surgery a few days later and died a few days after the surgery.

The family who took an action for mental distress as a result of their mother’s death claimed medical attention which was required to deal with the situation was not offered on time and that the HSE failed to take notice that the x-ray showed she had an obstruction in her bowel.

The High Court approved the settlement of €50,000 which was made without an admission of liability and said it was a very tragic case.

David Walley + Co Solicitors are personal injury solicitors with many years experience advising clients in relation to personal injury claims.

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