A young man has settled a High Court case for €10 million after suffering a devastating and life-changing traumatic brain injury while under care at an addiction treatment center in Kerry. This incident occurred when he left the facility with a knife and was later found injured in a nearby field.
Key Takeaways
- Man received €10 million settlement for brain injury
- Incident occurred after leaving addiction treatment center
- Court found care at hospital and center inadequate
- Young man now requires 24-hour care
- HSE and treatment center denied liability claims
- Judge expressed sympathy for the man's family
Incident Overview
The young man, whose identity remains confidential due to court orders, had a history of addiction to alcohol and soft drugs. He was admitted to University Hospital Kerry following a suicide attempt while in a program at The Grove Addiction Treatment Centre. After a psychiatric assessment and prescription of anti-depressants, he was deemed stable enough to return to the treatment center.
However, during his stay, he was placed under a one-to-one watch due to his distressed state. Unfortunately, the staff member responsible for monitoring him took a break, allowing the young man to escape the facility with a knife. He was later discovered face down in a field, suffering from significant lacerations and a skull fracture after apparently falling or banging his head on a rock.
Legal Proceedings
The case was brought to the High Court by the young man's mother against both the Health Service Executive (HSE) and The Grove Addiction Treatment Centre. Allegations included:
- Substandard Care: Claims were made that the care provided at University Hospital Kerry was inadequate, particularly regarding the assessment of the young man's mental health and the failure to address his suicidal ideation.
- Inadequate Supervision: The Grove was accused of failing to prevent the young man from obtaining a knife and leaving the premises unsupervised.
- Discharge Without Care Plan: It was alleged that he was discharged from the hospital without a proper care plan in place, which contributed to the tragic outcome.
Both the HSE and The Grove denied all claims, asserting that the young man appeared stable at the time of his discharge and that the treatment center operated on a counseling basis, not as a secure medical facility.
Impact of the Settlement
The €10 million settlement, reached through mediation, is without admission of liability. It is expected to significantly improve the young man's quality of life, as he now requires 24-hour care due to the life-altering injuries sustained during the incident. The judge, Mr. Justice Paul Coffey, expressed his condolences to the family, acknowledging the tragic nature of the case.
Conclusion
This case highlights critical issues surrounding patient safety and care in addiction treatment facilities. It raises important questions about the protocols in place to protect vulnerable individuals and the responsibilities of care providers. As the young man and his family move forward, the settlement will provide essential support, but the incident serves as a stark reminder of the need for improved safety measures in similar institutions.
Sources
- Man left with devastating brain injury settles case against Kerry addiction centre and HSE for €10m, Irish Examiner.
- Man with 'devastating' brain injury settles case against addiction centre and HSE for €10m, BreakingNews.ie.
- Man with 'Devastating' Brain Injury Wins €10M Settlement Against Addiction Centre and HSE - Faharas News, FaharasNET.
