James McSweeney Solicitor specialises in the area of reproductive law. He has represented clients in the High Court and the Supreme Court in reproductive matters, most notably the case of Roche v. Roche [2010].
There are many different types of fertility treatment available, from the use of fertility drugs to procedures such as IVF or ICSI. Undergoing fertility treatment is an incredibly stressful time for men and women. Time is of the essence for those undergoing treatment and, if things go wrong the effects of the negligence involved can be traumatic and final.
Reproductive medical negligence includes:
Equipment failures
Inadequate note keeping, laboratory mix – ups etc
Inappropriate advice
Surgery performed in a negligence manner
Loss of the sperm or eggs which have been extracted from the couple
The wrong sperm being injected into an egg
The implantation of embryos into the wrong woman
Ovarian hyperstimulation syndrome (OHSS)
Inadequate screening of donor sperm
Embryos, sperm or eggs being accidently destroyed or damaged
We have a unique approach to Medical Negligence Law. We are completely independent of the Medical Profession. We have developed our own independent panel of medical experts in Ireland, the UK and the United States who only act for the plaintiff. Like us, they are completely victim focused.
James and Emma have acted in many high profile cases, if you would like to discuss your case and compare it to the many cases that James has been involved in, please call for a consultation appointment.
What Our Clients Say
Dear Emma, thank you for your help, advice and kindness. This was a difficult enough process for us and you made it do able and possible. All the best, with thanks.
Thank you all so much for helping me through a difficult few years. You were always there at the end of the phone to explain the legal proceedings in a way that I could understand. I am grateful that my case settled and feel that I can now get on with my life. Thank you to Fiona for her patience!
To Emma and James, just a small note to thank you both for all your help and advice over the last 2 years. Apart from being extremely professional, more importantly you kept a personal empathic touch that make all the difference. I always felt assured to know that I had someone who cared working on my behalf. Adrina, thank you for keeping in touch so promptly along the way – it was great to know you were always on the end of the phone with my queries I had. Wishing you all continued success.
James McSweeney has a special interest in Medical and Clinical Negligence* claims. Prior to setting up his own practice in 2007, James managed one of Ireland’s leading specialist Medical Negligence* and Personal Injury* firms. He has experience in all Courts from the District Court to the Supreme Court, including the Supreme Court case of Roche –v- Roche. This is, arguably, the most important legal case in the history of the Irish State. In his Judgement, the Chief Justice noted that the issues raised were… “profound and complex on novel aspects of birth, the right to life and reproductive rights”. This is the case that finally decided the status of the unborn in Irish Law.
James has been at the cutting edge of developing innovative and quicker ways of winning cases for victims of medical accidents. The systems he has developed enable his Clients to prosecute their cases with confidence.
Emma Meagher, from Boherlahan, Co Tipperary, has been appointed as Partner heading up the Women’s Medical Negligence Unit at James McSweeney Solicitors. Emma joined James McSweeney Solicitors in 2008. She quickly established herself as an invaluable member of the Team and is now recognised as one of Ireland’s leading Medical Negligence Solicitors.
Throughout her early years in the legal business, Emma developed and refined her keen interest in helping women who have suffered as a result of negligence during pregnancy, childbirth, and the postpartum period. As a result, in 2015, Emma established a unique, mother-focused, legal advice unit and has built a support team with a wealth of interest and experience specialising in obstetrics and the Law.
Emma brings a professional and empathic approach to her work. She has regularly featured in various national publications and is consulted widely by media contributors on Medical Negligence Law.
A mother of two young boys, away from work Emma can be found most Saturday mornings watching football training at Wicklow Rovers and likes to spend afternoons with her family exploring the Wicklow countryside and beaches. She balances her busy work life with a love of cooking, literature, art and horse racing, especially flat racing.
Happy to give something back to the Community she finds the time to volunteer with the Free Legal Aid Board and also offers free legal advice to the London Irish Centre, Camden.
Emma Meagher is a member of the Dublin Solicitors Bar Association, Irish Women’s Lawyers Association and the Medico-Legal Society of Ireland.
Adrina is a member of the Irish Institute of Legal Executives and has been a part of the James McSweeney Solicitors team for 10 years. Adrina works exclusively in the areas of Medical Negligence* and Personal Injury* litigation.
Adrina’s level of commitment to her clients and colleagues has earned her a reputation for hard work and attention to detail. Adrina liaises closely with clients and experts during the Injuries Board process, preparing cases for trial and also attending settlement discussions at the Four Courts. Adrina has had tremendous success in dealing with Infant Rulings before both the Circuit and High Courts.
Outside of working hours, Adrina is a keen equestrian and regularly partakes in competitions.
Fiona has been with James McSweeney Solicitors from the start (2007) and is an integral part of the practice. Fiona works closely with the Principal, James, working in the area of Medical Negligence* and Litigation*. Fiona also works closely with experts, preparing cases for trial. She is known to look after our Clients with care and compassion, making sure they are kept up to date on the progress of their cases from start to finish.
Avril works closely with Emma Meagher Solicitor and deals exclusively in the areas of Medical Negligence* and Personal Injury* litigation. Avril liaises closely with clients and experts, preparing cases for trial and also settlement negotiations.
Avril’s background is mainly based in Media and Public Relations but she reckons that the industry of live media and the unpredictability that affords has given her a great grounding for a career in the Legal Profession.
Megan joined James McSweeney Solicitors in 2018 after completing a B.A in English, Sociology & Politics. Megan works at reception and is the first point of contact when you contact our firm. Megan is extremely friendly and helpful to our clients. Megan also works closely with Rosaleen Downes in our Conveyancing Department as a legal assistant.