A £600,000 settlement for a boy who contracted meningitis when he was a baby and is now severely brain-damaged, profoundly deaf and epileptic has been approved by the High Court.
Gerard McGee of Ashling Park, Dundalk, Co Louth, was born on September 9th, 1986 and was admitted to the Louth County Hospital in Dundalk on October 25th, 1987 where a tentative diagnosis of meningitis was made. He was transferred to Our Lady of Lourdes Hospital in Drogheda where the diagnosis was confirmed.
Through his father Thomas, Gerard, now aged 11, sued Dr Francis O'Reilly, a GP with a practice at Demesne Road, Dundalk, and the North Eastern Health Board. It was contended that the boy's present injuries, all of which are permanent, resulted from negligence and breach of duty by the defendants or their agents. The action was settled without admission of liability.
Approving the £600,000 settlement, Mr Justice O'Donovan said he would direct that £15,000 of that amount be paid over to Gerard McGee's parents and the balance should be invested for his care.
Mr John Finlay SC, for the boy, said an application would be made to have him made a ward of court.