Our client was 32 years old at the time of the surgery. She attended a private hospital for an elective procedure, an abdominoplasty with muscle repair, expecting a straightforward operation and recovery.
A settlement of €185,000 was reached in a cosmetic surgery negligence claim in Ireland on behalf of a woman who was left with a serious defect following abdominoplasty and muscle repair surgery. The claim was brought against the private hospital where the surgery was carried out and was resolved in June 2026.
Our client underwent tummy tuck and muscle repair surgery. Following the procedure, she was left without a navel.
The consequences were primarily psychological. The outcome of the surgery affected how she felt about her own body and had a serious and lasting impact on her confidence and sense of self.
It was her case that the standard of care she received fell short of what she could reasonably expect from the hospital.
How the claim was investigated
Rose Sweeney brought the claim against the private hospital.
In a medical negligence claim in Ireland, the standard of care is assessed using the principles established by the Supreme Court in Dunne v National Maternity Hospital [1989] IR 91. Broadly, the test considers whether the treating medical practitioner failed to exercise the ordinary care expected of a practitioner with comparable specialist qualifications and skills.
Claims of this nature are not dealt with by the Injuries Resolution Board and may proceed directly through the courts.
A consultant plastic surgeon was instructed to assess the surgery and its outcome. A psychologist was also instructed to evaluate the psychological impact on our client, which formed a central part of her claim and required careful supporting evidence.
The outcome
The cosmetic surgery negligence claim was resolved in June 2026 with a settlement of €185,000, reached without admission of liability by the hospital.
The settlement brought the matter to a conclusion without our client having to give evidence at a contested hearing.
How Coleman Legal helped
Rose Sweeney handled the case from the initial consultation.
Our client had been hesitant about bringing a claim, and Rose worked at a pace she was comfortable with, ensuring that the matter was handled with sensitivity and discretion.
She instructed the consultant plastic surgeon and psychologist, ensuring that the psychological impact of the surgery was properly documented and remained central to the claim.
Rose also managed communications with the hospital on our client’s behalf, allowing her to focus on moving forward without having to deal directly with the hospital throughout the legal process.
If you have experienced a poor outcome following cosmetic surgery and would like to understand your legal position, our solicitors can provide confidential advice about a cosmetic surgery negligence claim.
Contact our team to discuss your case on 01 531 3800 or 1800 844 104.
