The High Court has approved a €2.2 million settlement in an action for damages brought on behalf of a nine-year-old girl with cerebral palsy.
It was alleged the child had sustained her injuries due to negligence in the circumstances of her birth at the Louth Hospital in Dundalk in January 1996.
The action was brought against the North Eastern Health Board (NEHB) by Kirsty McKeown, suing through her mother Ms Bronagh McKeown Annyalla, Castleblayney, Co Monaghan.
It was alleged the board, its servants or agents, had failed to respond to evidence of foetal distress without delay and failed to deal with that distress in a proper or adequate manner.
Mr James Nugent SC, for the child, told Mr Justice Johnson yesterday a settlement of €2.2 million had been reached between the sides and he was recommending it for approval by the court. Mr Justice Johnson approved the settlement and ordered €250,000 to be paid out.
In her statement of claim it was alleged Ms Bronagh McKeown attended the Louth Hospital, Dundalk, on January 29th, 1996, for the purpose of giving birth to Kirsty. As a result of alleged negligence it was claimed the child sustained severe personal injury, loss and damage.
The court heard Kirsty is severely and neurologically impaired with cerebral palsy affecting the use of all her limbs. She also has delayed speech and is intellectually impaired. Her awareness of what is going on around her is at a very basic level.
The NEHB had denied negligence or that Kirsty's injures were caused by any lack of professional care, skill or expertise.
