Gillian O'Connor
Founder and Consultant
Expertise
Gillian is an MA (Hons) graduate of University College Dublin and has been a practising litigation solicitor for over 40 years. At the start of her career, she specialised in the defence of medical negligence actions. This gives her a unique insight into the defence litigation mindset. She subsequently joined her partner Michael Boylan, thereafter, specialising in complex Plaintiff medical negligence litigation for the past 30 years. Together with Michael Boylan she is a Founding Partner of the Firm.
In October/November 2019, following a 6-week trial in Bennett v the Department of Health and Others, Gillian successfully settled the lead complex vaccine damage case. Damages were claimed on behalf of the Plaintiff as a result of contracting Narcolepsy/ Cataplexy following administration of the Pandemrix Swine Flu vaccine. The following year she negotiated a settlement scheme which benefitted the firm’s approximately 100 clients affected by narcolepsy. To date, approximately in excess of €100 million in damages have been paid and the process is ongoing.
Recent cases of note
Elaine Lennon v HSE and Mac Mathuna
The Plaintiff, a former opera singer, is severely disabled following failures on the part of the Defendants to properly diagnose a ruptured cerebral abscess following the birth of her child in 2007. As a result, the Plaintiff sustained catastrophic injuries and requires 24-hour care. The case came before the Court in 2011, 2013, 2014, 2015, 2017, 2022. The total award to date is in excess of €10.2 million.
Sheehan
Gillian acted on behalf of a Plaintiff in circumstances where an Obstetrician failed to diagnose rhesus incompatibility disease (involving anti-E antibodies) during pregnancy, resulting in catastrophic injury to the baby. In 2011, a two-year interim award of €1.9million was made. Subsequently in 2014 and 2016 the case was resolved with total damages paid in excess of €15.6 million.
The case is also important in the area of legal costs resulting in a Supreme Court Judgement in relation to same.
Professional membership
- Member of Action for Victims of Medical Accidents (AvMA) Lawyers Resource Service
- Member of the Dublin Solicitors Bar Association
- Member of Medical Injuries Alliance (M.I.A.)
