Widow awarded €28,000 in nursing home case
The widow of an elderly man who died as the result of a burn sustained in a nursing home was today awarded over €28,000 at Cork Circuit Court.
Finbarr Collins died on May 9, 2002 after he suffered a severe burn that required the amputation of his leg, and ultimately led to his death.
His widow, Maureen Collins of Connolly Rd, Ballyphehane, Cork, brought the action against Pauline O’Flynn, trading as Powdermills Nursing Home in Ballincollig, Co Cork.
The late Mr Collins became a resident at the Powdermills Nursing Home in October 2001 and two months later he suffered a severe burn to his left leg from a heater.
He was taken to the burns unit of Cork University Hospital and later transferred to St Finbarr’s Hospital where he died at the age of 83.
Solicitor Fiona Twomey said on behalf of the defendant that she was consenting to judgment against her in the sum of €25,400 plus special damages and costs.
The award and specials came to over €28,000.
Barrister for Mrs Collins, Marjorie Farrelly, outlined some details of the case for Judge Patrick J Moran.
"The proceedings arise out of the plaintiff’s husband’s death on May 9, 2002, arising out of injuries suffered by him when he was resident in the defendant’s nursing home, arising out of which he had to have an amputation of his left leg and he subsequently died as a result of pneumonia and complications related to the amputation," Ms Farrelly said.
Judge Moran said: "I will approve the settlement and direct that it be paid to the plaintiff."
