The Irish Government is due to decide whether the statue of limitations should be set aside to enable survivors of symphysiotomy obtain compensation for the severe personal injuries they suffered as a result of a symphysiotomy being performed on them.

Symphysiotomies were performed on about 1,500 women in Ireland mostly during the 1960s to the 1980s. Under the procedure, a pregnant and/or labouring woman had the cartilage of the pubic symphysis severed (removed), which unhinged the pelvis, but the operation left the majority of women permanently injured, with ongoing back pain, incontinence and difficulties walking.

At present anyone who underwent the procedure is unable to obtain compensation as their claim is time barred due to the statute of limitations. The Government is considering whether the statue of limitation should be lifted to allow survivors of symphysiotomy apply for compensation. If the government agree to lift the statute, survivors of symphysiotomy will be able to seek legal recourse for the terrible injuries they have suffered.

David Walley + Co Solicitors have extensive experience advising clients in relation to personal injury* claims. If you or someone you know is a survivor of symphysiotomy, we would be delighted to meet with you and discuss what options are available to you.

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