Courts / Limerick / Report
Internationally acclaimed music professor settles negligence claim against HSE
Summary
Professor Thomas Regelski, an 81-year-old US national and former music professor, has settled his medical negligence claim against the Health Service Executive (HSE) without an admission of liability. The High Court matter, heard before Mr Justice Paul Coffey, was struck out following the settlement. Mr Regelski alleged that treatment for pneumonia at University Hospital Limerick in June 2019, specifically the administration of Levofloxacin and steroids, caused a bilateral rupture of his Achilles tendons, leaving him largely confined to a wheelchair. He claimed this combination contravened national and European guidelines for patients over 60. The HSE denied negligence and argued Mr Regelski was not entitled to damages. In a separate, related judicial review, Mr Regelski successfully challenged the Minister for Social Protection's failure to provide him with a Personal Public Service (PPS) number, which was required to bring the negligence action. That matter was resolved out of court in his favour. Mr Regelski stated the settlement allows him to access necessary care for the rest of his life and expressed hope that the HSE would learn from the incident to prevent similar occurrences. He thanked his legal team, including Philip Sheahan SC, Liam Carroll Bl, and solicitor John Lynch, for concluding the proceedings.
Who, what, where, when and why
What: Report matter: Internationally acclaimed music professor settles negligence claim against HSE. Procedural stage: hearing_or_decision
When:
- June 2019 Other
- June 22nd, 2019 Other
- 2022-07-26 Publication
Case subjects
Applicant
Applicant
Applicant
Applicant
Places mentioned
- Irish hospital
- University Hospital
Topics
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