An apology has been given to a teenage boy with autism after the Coombe Women and Infants University Hospital in Dublin after failings in after-birth care.

The boy received an apology after a High Court case for €15m. According to the families’ lawyers, this has been the largest settlement where a link between autism and brain injury has been sought in a case.

The boy who had developed an infection and meningitis after birth with hearing loss and development delays was identified months later, the court was told. Later, I was diagnosed with autism. According to Senior Counsel Dr John O’Mahony, the delay in diagnosing the infection after birth was central to this case.

Dr O’Mahony told the court that the infant’s infection should have been identified and treated after 15 hours; if this had been done, the boy would not have developed meningitis. The hospital was accused of failing to respond to evidence of potential infection by treating the boy with antibiotics and failing to prevent potential meningitis.

Including claims that the hospital failed to notify a paediatrician for an opinion on administering antibiotics on time. The court was told while some liability was expected, the claim of a link between autism and brain injury, however, was denied.

Professor Micheal O’Connell, the Master of the Coombe Hospital, offered a sincere apology for “the failings in care that caused injury” in a letter to the family. We in the hospital understand and sincerely regret that our failings in care have led to lifelong consequences for (the boy) and his parents and family.

The letter stated this. Mr Justice Paul Coffey approved the statement and wished the family luck.

We understand the devastating effects a birth injury can have on a family, primarily if the injury was caused by medical negligence. Our experienced birth injury solicitors can guide you through the entire legal process while you and your family recover. To speak with one of our solicitors, call 1800 844104 (freephone) or complete our online enquiry form.