David Rawlings, an engineer, died in January 2000 following a routine investigative procedure called a laparotomy, a surgical procedure involving an incision through the abdominal wall to gain access into the abdominal cavity. There were complications during the procedure and Rawlings died the following day.
St James’s Hospital, Dublin and the Health Service Executive did not contest the case and settled for €400,000 before it went to the High Court. If the case had gone before the High Court, it would have been for damages assessment only.
The payment was divided between between the current wife, Ariuna Rawlings (€250,000), and his previous wife Fiona Rawlings (€150,000), with whom he had a child and was providing financial support.
Because medical negligence was admitted, the exact details of the case were not revealed.