A significant reduction in the overall sum paid out for medical negligence claims in Ireland has led to a drop of nearly €90 million in compensation paid by the State Claims Agency (SCA) in 2024. New data reveals that damages payments related to clinical care cases fell by more than €65.4 million, dropping to €210.5 million in 2024.
State Hospitals, the NHS and the private healthcare sector are all filled with exceptionally talented, caring professionals who dedicate their lives to providing us with invaluable care during our most vulnerable moments. These healthcare workers are often under intense pressure, balancing high caseloads and dealing with complex medical situations. Their commitment to patient care is unparalleled, and in many cases, they deliver outstanding results. However, despite their best efforts, medical negligence can still occur. Often, factors outside an individual healthcare worker’s control, such as staffing shortages, limited funding, or overwhelming patient demand, can contribute to situations where medical care falls below the expected standard. When these unfortunate incidents happen, patients deserve to know their rights and have access to justice.
The Irish Times reports a Drop in pay-outs for medical negligence claims but what does this mean?
Total Compensation Payments in 2024
The total damages paid across all categories amounted to €286.9 million in 2024, a decrease of €89.9 million from the €376.8 million paid out in 2023. These figures, provided to Social Democrats TD Aidan Farrelly, highlight the importance of scrutinising the state’s financial outgoings, particularly in the area of medical negligence and other claims.
Medical Negligence Claims: A Major Drop in Pay-outs
The reduction in compensation for medical negligence claims is the most significant change in the 2024 data. Clinical negligence covers a wide range of cases where patients suffer due to substandard care. This includes:
- Surgical errors
- Misdiagnosis or delayed diagnosis
- Medication mistakes
- Birth injuries
The decline in pay-outs for medical negligence claims could have serious implications for victims seeking fair compensation for the harm they have suffered. If you or a loved one have been affected by medical negligence, consulting an experienced medical negligence solicitor firm like Lacey Solicitors Belfast and Dublin is essential for securing the compensation you deserve.
Other Claims with Increased Compensation Payments in 2024
While medical negligence claims saw a drop, other categories of claims saw notable increases, including:
- Physical Hazards Exposure: Claims related to slips, trips, and falls rose by €4.6 million, totalling €21 million.
- Behavioural Hazards Exposure: Claims involving violence, harassment, or abuse increased by €3.9 million, reaching €15.2 million in 2024.
- Psychological Hazards Exposure: Cases involving wrongful death or psychological trauma rose by €3.6 million, totalling €28.3 million in pay-outs.
- Crash/Collision Claims: Payments for collision claims involving state vehicles, such as Garda or HSE cars, increased by more than €2.2 million, amounting to €5.5 million.
Factors Behind the Fluctuating Medical Negligence Payments
The State Claims Agency points out that the mode of settlement in clinical negligence claims can vary. In some cases, pay-outs are made as a lump sum, while in others, interim payments are made over several years. This variability means that the payments in any given year do not necessarily reflect the total cost of a claim.
Several factors influence the movement in compensation amounts, including settlements in mass actions and one-off significant payments. The SCA has stated that the figures provided may not always reflect the conclusion of the claims within the year the payments were made.
Rising Liabilities for Clinical Negligence and Other Claims
Despite the drop in pay-outs, the outstanding liabilities for claims remain substantial. According to the Comptroller and Auditor General (C&AG), the SCA paid a total of €574 million in settlements, awards, and expenses in 2023. By the end of 2023, the outstanding liability for claims was estimated at €5.185 billion, with the total amount expected to rise further. The full liability figures for 2024 will be published in the upcoming annual report.
What Does This Mean for Victims of Medical Negligence?
For those affected by clinical negligence, it is crucial to seek expert legal advice from a qualified medical negligence solicitor. At Lacey Solicitors, we specialise in handling medical negligence claims and can guide you through the process to ensure you receive the compensation you deserve.
If you or a family member has been harmed due to medical errors, our team of experienced solicitors can help you take the necessary legal steps to seek justice and compensation. We offer free consultations, so you can get initial advice and don’t need to worry about the financial implications of pursuing your case.
Contact a Medical Negligence Solicitor at Lacey Solicitors Today
If you’ve been affected by medical negligence in Ireland, don’t delay in reaching out to a trusted medical negligence solicitor. At Lacey Solicitors, we are here to offer expert legal support and guide you through the process of claiming compensation for your injuries or suffering. Read our Guide to Medical Negligence Claims in Northern Ireland and use our online form to contact us.
Learn More About Ruaidhri Austin, Partner at Lacey Solicitors
Ruaidhri Austin, Partner at Lacey Solicitors, is a highly regarded clinical negligence solicitor with a wealth of experience in handling complex claims. Ruaidhri has successfully represented numerous clients in high-profile medical malpractice cases.
To find out more about Ruaidhri’s expertise and the medical negligence cases he has worked on, visit his Partner Bio.
