Margaret had routine surgery in a Dublin hospital in early 2019. The operation itself went as planned, but days afterwards she noticed something wasn't right. The area around her wound felt hot, and the swelling wasn't going down. She rang the hospital and spoke to a nurse on the ward. They told her it was normal and to keep an eye on it. Margaret wasn't reassured, but she trusted they knew best.
Over the next week, Margaret's condition got worse. Her leg became increasingly painful and the swelling spread further. She contacted the hospital again, and this time her daughter went with her to an appointment. Together they raised their concerns with the surgeon. They were told again that everything was fine and there was nothing to worry about. Neither Margaret nor her daughter felt heard. Still, no tests were done, and no follow-up care was arranged beyond a routine check-in.
Two weeks later, Margaret developed a serious infection. By then the damage was significant. She spent months in hospital receiving intensive treatment and antibiotics. The infection left her with permanent nerve damage and chronic pain. She now needs ongoing physiotherapy and pain management, and her quality of life changed completely. What should have been caught and treated early became a long-term medical condition that will stay with her for life.
Margaret took legal advice and discovered that her repeated complaints should have triggered proper examination and testing. The hospital's failure to act on those warnings, despite clear signs that something was wrong, fell below the standard of care she should have received. A claim was brought, and Margaret received a full award that included provision for her long-term care and ongoing medical needs.
When a patient raises concerns about complications after surgery, healthcare providers have a duty to take those concerns seriously and act on them promptly. This means arranging proper examination, carrying out appropriate tests, and documenting what the patient has reported. If a medical professional ignores repeated warnings from a patient or their family without good reason, and that patient suffers harm as a result, it may amount to medical negligence. The patient may be entitled to compensation for the physical effects, pain, loss of quality of life, and the cost of ongoing treatment or care needed because of that negligence.
In Ireland, you generally have two years from the date of the negligent act to bring a medical negligence claim. However, there are important exceptions: if you were a minor at the time, the clock may start later; if you didn't discover the negligence immediately, different rules may apply. Do not wait—contact a solicitor as soon as possible to protect your rights and get proper legal advice about your specific situation.
Tell Sarah what happened. She will explain your options and match you with the right solicitor in your county — free.