Student sues over paralysis after back operation

A 19-year-old student was left paralysed for over a year after a back operation, and yesterday launched a High Court action for damages.

The High Court heard Richard O’Callaghan, now aged 27, from Deanewood Avenue, Togher, Co Cork, became paralysed and was paraplegic 14 days after surgery to treat a curvature of the spine at the Blackrock Clinic in Dublin.

The business student was told he would never walk again, had to learn to use a wheelchair, and his parents had to adapt their home.