Courts / Sligo / Report
Girl sent home from hospital after contracting meningitis has €12m settlement approved
Summary
The High Court approved a €12 million settlement in a personal injury action brought by Robyn Kilgallon against the HSE. The applicant, now nine years old, alleged that Sligo General Hospital was negligent in February 2011 when she was ten months old. It was claimed that despite presenting with severe symptoms, including a high temperature and unresponsiveness, she was sent home by a junior doctor without admission. Her condition deteriorated, leading to readmission, transfer to Belfast, and a diagnosis of bacterial meningitis that resulted in severe, life-lasting brain injuries. Liability was admitted by the HSE. Counsel for the applicant, Alistair Rutherdale BL, instructed by Donnacha Anhold, stated the matter was resolved following mediation. He argued that on the balance of probabilities, timely admission and antibiotic treatment would have prevented the catastrophic injuries. Mr Justice Kevin Cross approved the settlement figure, noting the applicant's complex medical needs and lifelong care requirements. The judge paid tribute to the parents, Declan Kilgallon and Cabrini Fallon, for their efforts. Outside court, solicitor Anhold noted the HSE had apologized but criticized the lack of communication regarding system changes to prevent recurrence. The family expressed gratitude to their legal team and indicated plans to move to a home adapted for Robyn's needs.
Who, what, where, when and why
What: Report matter: Girl sent home from hospital after contracting meningitis has €12m settlement approved. Procedural stage: hearing_or_decision
When:
- February 1st 2011 Hearing Or Sentence
- February 2nd Other
- 2020-03-18 Publication
Case subjects
Applicant
Applicant
Places mentioned
- The High Court
- Sligo General Hospital
- Royal Victoria Hospital
- Belfast hospital
- Sligo
- Sligo hospital
- Caltragh Road
- Sligo
- Temple Street
Topics
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