New figures released by Minister for Health, Simon Harris, have revealed that the amount of damages paid out by the State Claims Agency in relation to medical negligence cases has soared to a staggering €268.45 million in the last two years.
This total figure represents a 7.5% increase of €18.6 million for 2018, compared to the €249.77 million that was paid out in 2017.
The largest sum paid out under medical negligence was €15.5 million relating to a cerebral palsy case, according to figures provided by the SCA to Fianna Fáil’s Finance spokesman, Michael McGrath. Further figures revealed that seven out of the top ten pay-outs were cases pertaining to birth specific procedures or cerebral palsy.
Medical Negligence a Recurring Issue
Overall, what these figures ultimately represent is that occurrences of medical negligence in the State are a rising problem, one that both families and solicitors across the country are inundated with and will unfortunately continue to be for the foreseeable future.
Often the results of medical or clinical negligence are life-altering, capable of affecting not only a person’s physical state but also permanently altering their mental and emotional well-being. It is perhaps then unsurprising that we are witnessing an increase in the total amount of pay-outs from 2017 to 2018, as clients continue to seek justice through legal representation.
In the wake of these astonishing figures, it must be incumbent upon the HSE to ask itself why instances of medical and clinical negligence continue to escalate across the Irish health service as families and their loved ones endure unnecessary suffering.
Seeking Legal Counsel
Should you have any concerns regarding what you suspect to be the medical mistreatment or negligence of a friend or family member, please do not hesitate to contact a member of our legal team who will be happy to provide you with further information.
* In contentious business, a solicitor may not calculate fees or other charges as a percentage or proportion of any award or settlement. *
Medical Negligence Pay-outs Soar to Over Half a Billion Euro in Last Two Years
