Man left with devastating brain injury settles case against Kerry addiction centre and HSE for €10m

Man absconded from centre with a knife was later found face down in a field with lacerations to both arms and a 'devastating and life-changing' traumatic brain injury, court heard

It was claimed alleged substandard care had been provided at University Hospital Kerry and there was an alleged failure to take due notice in the referral letter to suicidal ideation, anxiety and agitation, as well as previous suicidal attempts. Picture: Dan Linehan

A man who sustained a “devastating and life-changing" traumatic brain injury after he absconded from a Kerry addiction treatment centre has settled for €10m a High Court action over his care at the centre and University Hospital Kerry.

The young man, who cannot be identified by order of the court, had taken a knife when he left the centre and was found later face down in a field with lacerations to both arms and a head injury. The court heard he fell or banged his head on a rock and sustained a skull fracture.