Courts

Woman who sued Galway GP over death of husband settles High Court action for €750,000

Four further actions brought against GP Alex Michel over death of Brian Coyne (42) were also settled

The proceedings alleged the GP surgery failed to properly examine Brian Coyne or to adequately interrogate his symptoms
The proceedings alleged the GP surgery failed to properly examine Brian Coyne or to adequately interrogate his symptoms
Thu Feb 06 2025 - 17:22

Five actions brought against a GP over the death of a 42-year-old man have settled at the High Court including a case brought by his wife which was ruled in court for €750,000.

Brian Coyne, of Leenane, Co Galway, collapsed at home and died of a heart attack as he looked after his six-week-old baby in the early hours of March 18th, 2022.

Mr Coyne’s wife Kathryn gave him CPR but he was pronounced dead after paramedics arrived on the scene.

The Coyne family’s senior counsel, Miriam Reilly, instructed by Hamilton Sheahan solicitors, told the court Mr Coyne had seen a GP complaining of chest pain two days before his death.

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She said the settlement was reached after mediation and included a discount to reflect the litigation and causation risk. All of the claims were denied in the case.

Four other nervous shock actions brought by the Coyne family were also settled.

Mr Coyne’s wife, now living in Kells, Co Meath, had sued Galway GP Alex Michel, who has a practice at Renvyle, Tully, Co Galway.

It was claimed Mr Coyne had presented at the GP’s surgery on March 16th, 2022, complaining of chest pain but was not referred for further assessment or treatment in a hospital setting.

It was further claimed that as a result Mr Coyne’s health was allegedly allowed to deteriorate.

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Two days later, he got up in the early hours to settle the baby when he fell forward, the cases claimed. His wife called for help and carried out CPR.

Paramedics arrived and continued to attempt to revive Mr Coyne, but he died.

The proceedings alleged the GP surgery failed to properly examine Mr Coyne or to adequately interrogate his symptoms.

It was further claimed that there was a failure to heed the history of Mr Coyne’s condition and the severity of his symptoms.

Mr Justice Paul Coffey noted the settlement of the four nervous shock actions. Approving the €750,000 settlement and the division of the statutory mental distress payment of €35,000, the judge said the amounts were fair and reasonable, given the risks of further litigating the matters.

He extended his sympathy to Ms Coyne and the wider family.