Compensation for Symphysiotomy Procedures in Ireland
At the present time, most claims for compensation for symphysiotomy procedures in Ireland are time-barred by the Statute of Limitations. Pressure is being put on the government to lift the Statute for those women who unnecessarily underwent symphysiotomy procedures in Ireland between the 1940s and 1990s in order that they might claim symphysiotomy compensation.
As it is not know when, and for how long, this window of opportunity will exist, women who wish to claim compensation for a symphysiotomy procedure in Ireland should contact a symphysiotomy solicitor at the first practical opportunity. Those who unsure whether they might qualify for compensation for symphysiotomy procedures in Ireland should first speak with their GP and request a copy of their medical records from the hospital(s) at which they gave birth.
Symptoms of Symphysiotomy Injury
One very high profile symphysiotomy case in March 2012 highlighted the importance of reviewing your medical records. Olivia Kearney suffered for thirty three years with impaired mobility, back pain, incontinence and depression due to having a symphysiotomy procedure – without her knowledge or consent – at Our Lady of Lourdes Hospital in Drogheda in 1969. In 2002, Olivia heard a radio presenter discussing the symptoms of a symphysiotomy injury which were very similar to her own.
Having obtained her medical records and taken legal advice, Olivia made a claim for symphysiotomy compensation in 2004 which was initially dismissed but reinstated on appeal. In March 2012, the High Court awarded Olivia 450,000 Euros for symphysiotomy medical negligence compensation – a symphysiotomy settlement which was later reduced to 325,000 Euros on appeal, but which raised the awareness of women who had undergone the symphysiotomy procedure when a Caesarean Section would have avoided a symphysiotomy injury.
Settlements of Symphysiotomy Compensation
Not all settlements of compensation for symphysiotomy procedures in Ireland will be as valuable as Olivia Kearney´s, as symphysiotomy procedure claims for compensation are assessed on their individual merits and how the symphysiotomy procedure may have affected a claimant´s quality of life. Furthermore, although a legal precedent now exists to attribute liability when symphysiotomy procedure claims are made, it is not a foregone conclusion that the hospitals found negligent in this controversial procedure will agree to symphysiotomy compensation settlements without a hearing.
Therefore, it is important that you have your claim for compensation for symphysiotomy procedures in Ireland assessed by a solicitor in order that he or she can prepare the strongest possible claim on your behalf. Typically a claim for compensation for symphysiotomy procedures in Ireland should consider:-
- The pain and suffering immediately after the surgery, the ongoing pain since the operation was performed and how the symptoms of a symphysiotomy procedure have prevented you from enjoying a full and active life
- The emotional strain that resulted from the symphysiotomy procedure if, like Olivia Kearney, the consequences of the operation prevented you from having any more children or caused you to suffer from depression
- Any financial costs you may have experienced – either due to seeking treatment for the symptoms of a symphysiotomy injury or because you have been unable to work because of your injury and consequently suffered a loss of income
Free Advice about Compensation for Symphysiotomy Procedures in Ireland
If you believe you have been the victim of symphysiotomy medical negligence and would like to find out more about claiming compensation for symphysiotomy procedures in Ireland, you are invited to call our free Help Line on 1-800 989 999 and speak directly with an experienced solicitor who – with understanding and in plain English – will be able to answer any questions you may have about making a claim for symphysiotomy compensation.
Once you have spoken with our solicitors you are under no obligation to pursue compensation for symphysiotomy procedures in Ireland and, until the Statute of Limitations is lifted on symphysiotomy procedure claims, we cannot guarantee that your enquiry will result in a positive outcome. However, it costs nothing to find out more about claiming compensation for symphysiotomy procedures in Ireland and we look forward to hearing from you soon.
