An 87-year-old woman has been awarded €40,000 damages in the Circuit Civil Court after fracturing one of her vertebrae and breaking her wrist following a fall in a Nursing Home in Dublin.
The plaintiff had fallen in a bathroom at Beechlawn Nursing Home, Northwood Park, Santry, but the incident had not been witnessed by anyone.
It was believed her fall had been caused by a wet floor but the plaintiff would be unable to give details of the incident in court which had occurred in August last year.
The plaintiff sued TLC Nursing Home Limited through her daughter who had provided sworn evidence to the court for the purpose of her mother’s claim.
The plaintiff had suffered a fracture to her lower back and broken her left wrist. Following the accident she had been taken to Beaumont Accident and Emergency Department and was then given treatment in hospital for five weeks.
The medical report stated that her injuries had caused prolonged admission to hospital and hospital reports of her complaints were consistent with a fall as described.
It said the plaintiff had suffered excessive pain which required the use of opiates. She experienced increased confusion for six weeks and had to wear a back brace for some time.
TLC Nursing home made a settlement offer of €40,000 to the plaintiff. Judge Ni Chulachain approved the offer noting that the plaintiff had been unattended in the bathroom at the time and her ability to give evidence of her loss and suffering would be difficult for her.
The plaintiff continues to reside at the nursing home.
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