Lump sums for injuries at birth could be replaced

Ongoing payments and access to services could replace lump-sum legal payouts for children who suffer as a result of medical misadventure at birth, under plans being considered by Health Minister James Reilly.

His department is also examining how people who suffer as a result of bad reactions to vaccinations can be compensated without a legal cases.

The minister is concerned that one third of all money the health system spends on compensation goes towards lawyers’ fees instead of “directly to the victims who have suffered as a consequence of misadventure or medical negligence”.