Kerry pensioner left paraplegic settles action against HSE over delay in diagnosis

It was claimed that despite Eamon O’Sullivan’s presenting symptoms, he was not triaged as a priority patient and was not assessed by a doctor for over 14 hours

Donal O'Sullivan at the Four Courts for the settlement of the High Court action against the HSE taken on behalf of his brother, Eamon, who is currently in a Kerry nursing home. Picture: IrishPhotoDesk.ie

A Kerry pensioner who sued over what was claimed was a catastrophic delay in the diagnosis of his spinal nerve condition, and who is now paraplegic, has settled a High Court action for a significant six-figure sum.

As part of the settlement for Eamon O’Sullivan (73) the HSE has agreed to fund his nursing home care for the rest of his life and other therapies he requires with €479,000 to be paid out in the first year. Mr O’Sullivan is also be provided with a 24-hour personal assistant under the settlement of the action.