An action for damages by the mother of a three-year-old brain-damaged boy alleging negligence in the circumstances of her son's birth at the National Maternity Hospital, Holles Street, Dublin, was settled yesterday at the High Court. No details of the settlement were disclosed.
The child's own action had been settled on Thursday for €3.5 million and costs. Mr Justice Johnson approved the settlement in favour of Jack Ward, suing by his father, Mr Stephen Ward, Eden Grove, Beaverstown Orchard, Donabate, Co Dublin, against the National Maternity Hospital where Jack was born on June 25th, 2000.
Jack's mother, Ms Helen Ward (33), had also brought a separate action against the hospital, arising from the trauma she suffered.
When the hearing of Jack's case began on November 5th, the judge was told that the hospital had admitted liability. However, the hearing continued in order to assess the amount of damages to be paid to the child. The assessment hearing went on until Thursday when the settlement was agreed.