Courts / Donegal / Report

€35k settlement approved for family of man who died months after procedure

Date
2020-03-18

Stage
Trial

Primary locality
Donegal

County
Donegal

Summary

The High Court has approved a settlement of €35,000 to the family of Brian McElhinney, a retired building contractor from Glenties, County Donegal, who died in December 2014 months after undergoing a medical procedure at Letterkenny University Hospital. Mr McElhinney's widow, Rosaleen, sued the HSE on behalf of herself and her late husband's dependents, alleging negligence in connection with a lumbar puncture performed in July 2014. Following the procedure, Mr McElhinney allegedly experienced severe pain and paralysis from the waist down, requiring extended hospitalisation. He was discharged in late August 2014 but died four months later. While his death was attributed to underlying conditions including myelofibrosis, the family claimed the procedure and alleged failure in its management significantly accelerated his death and caused them mental distress. The HSE had denied negligence. Mr Justice Kevin Cross approved the settlement on Wednesday, with the payment to be divided among family members.