Garda settles negligence action after infection made him go blind

A GARDA sergeant who claimed he was left blind due to a failure to promptly diagnose an infection of the eye linked to wearing contact lenses has settled his High Court medical negligence action for an undisclosed sum.

Niall Fitzpatrick, aged 47, from Boher, Co Limeick, had taken the proceedings against the HSE and consultant eye specialist Raymond Niland. Both defendants denied the claims.

On the second day of the hearing yesterday, Liam Reidy SC, for Mr Fitzpatrick, told Ms Justice Mary Irvine the case had been settled and the proceedings against both defendants could be struck out.