A woman who had been hit and knocked down by a mobility scooter while in the outpatients department of Tullamore Hospital for a back injury assessment has settled her High Court action.
The court heard how the complainant (78) had visited the outpatients department of Tullamore Hospital on September 18th, 2019, for a CT scan. As she was walking along a corridor following the scan, she claimed to have been hit by a member of staff driving the mobility scooter.
Fractured Hip
It was alleged that the hit from the scooter caused the complainant to fall to the floor and fracture her hip. She further claimed that the scooter was being driven in a dangerous manner by the member of staff, with the driver failing to take notice of the surroundings.
Nervous About Another Fall
The court heard how, prior to the incident and the fracturing of her hip, the complainant had lived an independent life and did not require any aid to talk. However, following her fall, she required the use of a Zimmer frame and crutches to walk upon being discharged after 13 days in the hospital. She continues to use the walking aids and is nervous about the prospect of another fall, it was claimed.
The woman subsequently sued the HSE, with Ms Justice Leonie Reynolds being informed by the complainant’s legal counsel that that the matter had been settled. Liability was accepted.
In wishing the complainant well, Ms Justice Reynolds welcomed the settlement and added that it was “most unfortunate the lady was in hospital for one injury and picked up a second injury”.
*In contentious business, a solicitor may not calculate fees or other charges as a percentage or proportion of any award or settlement.*
