Sellors help family obtain accountability
Sellors LLP have acted on behalf of a Limerick family who issued High Court proceedings in 2018 following the tragic death of their son. After several years seeking answers including an open Inquest verdict, the family reached a pre-trial mediated High Court settlement with the HSE and received an expression of regret for the loss of their beloved son, Ross. The High Court heard that Ross, a father of two who worked as a security guard and had a history of mental health problems, was referred by his GP to the Accident & Emergency Department of University Hospital Limerick in December 2015. Ross presented to hospital on an emergency basis but at the time, it was felt that an admission was unwarranted. Ross was asked to come back the next day. Unfortunately, Ross never returned, and he subsequently took his own life. Ross’s parents, Mary & Michael, issued legal proceedings against the HSE in a bid to obtain answers regarding the medical treatment, care and assessment of their son.
The matter was settled at mediation for the sum of €200,000.00 and was subsequently approved by Mr. Justice Kevin Cross in the High Court. The HSE provided the family with a letter expressing its regret at Ross’s death and the majority of the settlement was for the past and future care of the deceased’s children.
Ronan Hynes, Partners of Sellors LLP, acted on behalf of the Minihan family and stated that: “This was a devastating tragedy for our clients who very much welcomed the mediated settlement and the HSE’s expression of regret, which were a source of comfort for them. They have been incredibly courageous and never gave up in their pursuit of justice for their son. It was our privilege and honour to help them in very tragic circumstances.”
Michael Minihan, father of the deceased, commented that: – “May I take this opportunity on behalf of Mary, myself and family in thanking you and Sellors for always believing in us and never giving up in our pursuit for justice. It was never an act of vengeance or revenge but of getting answers and achieving accountability. I think with your help, we did that. Your kindness, professionalism and ever ending belief will always be with me and my family”.
Media case report links found below.
If you need more information or assistance, please contact Ronan Hynes, Partner in the Litigation & Dispute Resolution department at Sellors by email at [email protected] or on 061 414 355.
Irish Examiner: https://www.irishexaminer.com/news/arid-20464297.html.
RTE: https://www.rte.ie/news/courts/2021/0324/1205907-courts-settlement-ross-minihan/