Family settles lawsuit against Dublin hospital over father's death

The family of a man who died after suffering a femoral fracture in a fall while admitted to St Vincent's University Hospital in Dublin has settled four High Court lawsuits over his death. .

Edward Hyland, 60, was admitted to hospital for evaluation for a liver transplant after it was claimed he suffered a fall on the ward on the night of February 8, 2017.

Hyland fractured his femur and had to undergo surgery, but the High Court heard his condition worsened and he died three days after the operation.

The Hyland family's lawyers, Richard Keene SC and Esther Early BL, told the court that it was in their case that two tragic events occurred.

Mr Keene said Mr Hyland was diagnosed at hospital as having a high risk of falls. He fell in the ward late at night and suffered a femur fracture. Hyland was found wearing slippers on his feet after the fall, his lawyer said.

Mr Keene said Mr Hyland required surgery for a broken bone, but the outcome was very poor and the grandfather of seven died a few days later.

Keene said all allegations and all aspects of the lawsuit have been denied by the hospital.

The action was first brought against St Vincent's University Hospital by Mr Hyland's widow Eileen Hyland, of Blackhorse Avenue, 7 Dublin. But Mr. Hyland passed away in October of this year, and a lawsuit over Mr. Hyland's death is currently being filed. their daughter, Melissa Hyland; Three nervous shock lawsuits also went to court and were settled.

Mr Hyland was admitted to St Vincent's Hospital Liver Unit on February 2, 2017.

Despite being classed as a high fall risk, it is claimed he was allowed to fall on the ward on the night of February 8, even though he was not witnessed.

He underwent surgery the next day, but passed away on February 12, 2017.

The proceedings allege that Mr. Hyland knew or should have known that he had a history of falls, had mobility issues, was a high fall risk, and was judged to be in a dangerous condition. Nevertheless, it is claimed that they were allowed to mobilize without assistance. There is a high risk of falling and getting injured.

It was alleged that while Mr Hyland was an inpatient, he failed to demonstrate the level of care, skill and diligence that should have been expected in relation to his diagnosis, care and treatment.

It is also alleged that Mr Hyland was deemed suitable for surgery and that the surgery proceeded at a time when he was considered unfit to undergo surgery.

All allegations were denied.

Judge Paul Coffey noted the settlement and division of a €35,000 compensation award for emotional distress, calling it a very tragic case for the Hyland family, whose wife, Mr Hyland, died in October this year. He said this made the incident even more painful.

He expressed his condolences to the Hyland family on the death of Mr Hyland and his later wife.