Niece of 89-year-old who allegedly died of bacterial infection to receive bulk of €28,000 payment

The niece of an 89-year-old woman who allegedly died as a result of a bacterial infection is to receive the bulk of a €28,000 payment for distress over the death rather than part of the money going to the estate of the deceased's sister, the High Court has ruled.

Mr Justice Garrett Simons said after €7,890 for funeral expenses is paid out, the niece should get the rest of the statutory compensation payable for a fatal injury claim, known as "solatium".