In a tragic case that shook the community of Co Cork, the family of Aileen Halligan, a beloved mother and grandmother, reached a settlement in a High Court action against a cardiologist. Aileen Halligan, 69, passed away on May 31st, 2017, following a routine heart angiogram test at the Mater Private Hospital in Mahon, Co Cork. The family, including her daughter Aoife Halligan Brown and sons Shane and Niall Halligan, filed a lawsuit against Dr. Abid Hussaini, the consultant interventional cardiologist at the hospital, seeking justice for their loss.
Settlement Reached
After years of legal proceedings, the family’s counsel, Dr. John O’Mahony SC, along with Cian O’Mahony BL, announced in court that a settlement had been reached for €420,000, although no liability was admitted. The case revolved around allegations that the stenting procedure during the angioplasty was mishandled, leading to complications that ultimately resulted in Aileen Halligan’s untimely death. The family claimed there was a failure to warn of the risks involved in the procedure and a lack of proper care and skill during the treatment.
Aoife Halligan Brown, speaking on behalf of her family, expressed the profound impact of their loss, emphasizing the emotional toll of not being able to say a proper goodbye to their mother. She described a heartbreaking scene at the hospital, where doctors entered the family room with blood on their shoes and scrubs, painting a vivid picture of the chaos and distress they experienced during that fateful day. The family’s grief and devastation were palpable, underscoring the profound loss they have endured.
A Tragic Loss and Legal Battle
The court proceedings shed light on the challenges faced by the Halligan family as they sought justice for their beloved matriarch. Despite the settlement, it was clear that no amount of monetary compensation could ever fill the void left by Aileen Halligan’s absence. The emotional toll of losing a cherished family member was evident in the courtroom, as the family recounted the heart-wrenching moments leading up to her passing.
As the legal battle came to a close, with the approval of the settlement and the allocation of a statutory mental distress payment, Mr. Justice Paul Coffey expressed his deepest sympathy to the Halligan family. His acknowledgment of the sadness and tragedy surrounding the case resonated with all those present, underscoring the human impact of medical malpractice and the need for accountability in healthcare.
In the aftermath of the settlement, Aoife Halligan Brown reflected on the profound loss her family has endured, emphasizing that no amount of compensation could ever replace the presence of their beloved mother. The lingering grief and devastation serve as a poignant reminder of the lasting impact of medical negligence on families and communities, urging for greater awareness and accountability in healthcare practices.
The resolution of the High Court case marked a bittersweet moment for the Halligan family, as they grappled with the complexities of loss and legal battles. Despite the settlement, the emotional scars left by Aileen Halligan’s passing serve as a poignant reminder of the fragility of life and the importance of seeking justice in the face of tragedy. The legacy of Aileen Halligan lives on in the hearts of her family, as they navigate the difficult path of healing and remembrance in the wake of her untimely death.
