A YOUNG Co Meath girl is paraplegic after her spine was unintentionally injured during a surgical procedure, the High Court heard yesterday.
Gemma Meehan, now aged eight, yesterday secured €2 million in part-settlement of her High Court action against Crumlin Children’s Hospital, Dublin, where the procedure was carried out on April 5th, 2007. Under the settlement, she may return to court when she reaches 18 to seek further compensation on grounds including future loss of earnings.
The child sued the hospital through her mother, Joan Meehan, Cherryhills, Kells, Meath. Liability was admitted.
The court heard Gemma, as a baby, suffered from severe scoliosis (curvature of the spine) and a form of osteoporosis which left her with soft and brittle bones. She regularly underwent procedures to have spinal growth control rods previously inserted into her body changed and lengthened.
She was undergoing an operation in 2007 when a Homans retractor instrument unintentionally came in contact with her spine and she was rendered paraplegic, Seamus Noonan, for the child, told the court. Afterwards, Gemma required constant care and further surgery to deal with her osteoporosis and to ensure her lungs can grow, counsel said.
Mr Noonan said the case had settled for €2 million, which included an advance of €250,000, which could be taken into account in any further payments when she reaches 18.
This sum is to be used to contribute towards the cost of a specially adapted home for her in Kells, which could cost €966,000.
Gemma will require ongoing assistance for the rest of her life, Mr Noonan said. She is doing well at the local national school, counsel added.
Mr Justice Daniel O’Keefe approved the settlement.