Girl brain-damaged at five weeks old sues HSE

A 13-year-old girl who was brain damaged at five weeks old after she was assaulted by her mother has launched a High Court action for damages against the HSE.

It is alleged the child was discharged into the care of her mother — a former heroin addict on methadone — when no case conference had been convened and no care plan was in place.

Three days later, the baby was brought back to the hospital by her mother, having sustained serious injuries, Mr Justice Barr was told in the High Court.