Courts / Dublin / Report

Man with 'locked in' syndrome settles High Court case

Summary

In a High Court hearing, Christopher O'Driscoll, a 39‑year‑old from Camp, Co Kerry, who is tetraplegic and unable to speak, announced that his lawsuit against Global Diagnostics (Ireland) Ltd, trading as Medica, and the HSE had been settled. O'Driscoll had claimed that the company failed to diagnose his stroke after a collapse on New Year's Day 2023, that a CT scan at University Hospital Kerry incorrectly reported no blockage, and that he was denied thrombolysis, leading to his locked‑in syndrome. Global Diagnostics denied these allegations, arguing the stroke's severity would have made thrombolysis ineffective. The case, which had been adjourned multiple times, was brought to mediation and concluded with a confidential agreement. Justice Leonie Reynolds approved the settlement and adjourned the matter to December 18, noting the parties' efforts and O'Driscoll's patience. The settlement terms remain confidential.

Who, what, where, when and why

What: Report matter: Man with 'locked in' syndrome settles High Court case. Procedural stage: hearing_or_decision

When:

• January 3, 2023 Other
• January 5, 2023 Other
• January 1, 2023 Other
• December 18 Adjournment
• New Years Other
• 2025-10-30 Publication

Case subjects

Places mentioned

Topics

Stage Hearing Or Decision

Related court reports

• Man charged with having 56k child abuse images and videos remanded on bail
• Ex-Dáil hopeful's allegations against former employer 'complete fantasy', WRC told
• Mater must pay €10k to worker who said he was wrongly accused of abusing patient
• 'I think we know I won't be getting bail' - Daniel Kinahan charged with directing criminal organisation
• Letting agent who claimed alleged domestic violence victim abandoned tenancy by fleeing to refuge must pay €14.7k
• 77-year-old with 470 convictions told Luas staff to 'f**k off'

Read the original CNI report