Legal Costs in CervicalCheck Cases Reach €17.9 Million

The legal practice representing Vicky Phelan in the landmark CervicalCheck case has received the highest amount in medical negligence legal costs from the State, totaling €17.9 million over two years. New figures released by the Minister for Health, Jennifer Carroll MacNeill TD, reveal the significant financial implications of the scandal and subsequent legal proceedings.

Rising Legal Expenses

Cian O’Carroll Solicitors received €8.83 million in costs in 2025, concerning 32 claims, following a payment of €9 million in 2024 for 33 medical negligence cases. This brings the total legal costs to the firm to €17.9 million across the two-year period.

Overall State Claims Agency Outlay

In total, the State Claims Agency (SCA) paid out €64.9 million in legal costs to plaintiff firms in 2025, compared to €70.5 million in 2024. These figures include payments to barristers, medical experts, and the mandatory 23% VAT.

Impact of the CervicalCheck Scandal

Cian O’Carroll, the principal solicitor, stated that his firm has represented 14 women who have died as a result of failings in the CervicalCheck screening program. He believes the actual number of deaths linked to screening errors is likely higher, exceeding 30 lives, with hundreds more injured. He also expressed concern that ongoing negligent failures continue to occur, despite a decrease in reported errors due to a lack of independent auditing.

Other Firms Receiving Significant Payments

Cantillons Solicitors received the second-highest amount, at €5.86 million for 18 claims, followed by Michael Boylan Solicitors at €5.1 million for 22 claims. Callan Tansey Solicitors (€3.4m for 33 claims) and Damien Tansey Solicitors (€3.37m for 24 claims) also received payments exceeding €3 million.

Costs for Firms Representing the SCA

The SCA also incurred costs representing itself in medical negligence cases, totaling €31.39 million in 2025, down from €32.45 million in 2024. Mason Hayes and Curran Solicitors received the largest share, at €5.49 million for 216 claims.

Specialization in Medical Negligence

Mr. O’Carroll highlighted that the consistent presence of a small group of firms on the list each year demonstrates a tendency for those affected by medical negligence to seek specialist firms, particularly for complex cases involving birth injuries, cancer misdiagnosis, and neonatal care.

Source: Irish Mirror

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