High Court approves €3m settlement for girl born with cerebral palsy
The High Court has approved a €3m settlement to a teenage girl born with severe cerebral palsy.
Sixteen-year-old Emma O'Donnell from Arklow, Co Wicklow sued the National Maternity Hospital through her father James Forde, who was described as being "somewhat heroic" in caring for her.
The court heard the National Maternity Hospital's offer of a €3m settlement came as something of a surprise to Emma O'Donnell's lawyers.
Her barrister Richard Kean said their side was beset with problems in trying to establish a causative link between the hospital's actions and the teenager's severe cerebral palsy.
At best, he suggested, there may have been evidence of a want of care. The hospital has not made any admission of liability.
Mr Kean said Emma was born at Holles Street in June 1998 after around six days of induction. Initially she appeared to be well, but after several hours she turned blue and began suffering from seizures.
Now aged 16, she has significant physical, intellectual and behavioural difficulties and according to her father James she needs assistance with everything.
He has welcomed today's settlement.
