Limerick girl who sued over eye abscess treatment settles case for €115,000

High Court reporters

A young girl who, it is claimed, has been left with some double vision after an alleged delay in treatment at University Hospital Limerick (UHL) for an eye abscess has settled her High Court action for €115,000.

Lorna Browne was seven when she developed a very large and aggressive lump on her left eye, her counsel, Patrick Treacy SC instructed by Cian O’Carroll solicitors, told the High Court.

Counsel said it was their case that the little girl, who was admitted to the Emergency Department (ED) at UHL in December 2017, did not have the abscess drained for two days.

Counsel said it was their further contention that the abscess should not have been drained by incision, and the girlm who is now 13, has been left with a scar.

He said she has been left with double vision in her left eye and has to wear glasses with a prism as a result.

Counsel said experts on both sides differ in relation to the double vision, and the HSE experts said it was only in the extreme upper gaze.

Lorna Browne, of Galbally, Co Limerick, had through her mother, Catherine Browne, sued the HSE.

The girl had been brought to UHL's ED when her swollen eye had not settled and she was suffering from headaches.

She was admitted to the hospital on December 1st, 2017, and stayed there until she was transferred for drainage surgery on December 3rd, 2017. She remained in hospital for another eight days, during which she was treated with antibiotics.

She claimed there was an alleged failure to treat her effectively and expeditiously.

The abscess drainage, it was contended, did not take place until December 3rd, 2017m when her presentation and investigations, including a CT scan on December 1st, allegedly indicated that her condition required urgent attention.

Her treatment, it was claimed, was delayed unduly and unnecessarily, and allegedly gave rise to the double vision.

It was further claimed that a surgical procedure was performed in a manner which was allegedly unnecessarily invasive and damaging to the girl’s appearance.

Counsel told the court a full defence was indicated in the case.

Approving the settlement, Mr Justice Paul Coffey said it was fair and reasonable, and he conveyed his best wishes to the young girl and her family.