Compensation for GP’s Missed Diagnosis of Coeliac Disease Symptoms

Tragically, David’s GP missed the connection between his symptoms and coeliac disease. He went on to develop lymphoma as a result of his untreated coeliac disease. Sadly, David passed away and his wife pursued a claim for compensation for negligent treatment. Sometimes sub-standard medical treatment can stretch back over many years. David instructed us after he had been diagnosed with lymphoma. By this time he had learned that there was a link between lymphoma and his undiagnosed coeliac disease.

David had been to his GP for a period of over 30 years with a skin condition. The doctors prescribed standard medication for dermatitis herpetiformis. We obtained expert evidence that showed that, certainly in later years, doctors should have been well aware of the link between this skin condition and coeliac disease. David’s GP did not refer David for any tests. As a result, nobody diagnosed David’s coeliac disease. This was important because, if David had known he had the disease, he would have followed a gluten free diet. Avoiding gluten significantly reduces the chances of people with coeliac disease developing lymphoma.

The Barratts Medical Negligence team obtained expert reports from a GP, a Gastroenterologist and an Oncologist. They were all supportive of the claim. David’s wife pursued the matter after his death and made claims for loss of David’s pension and services together with bereavement damages and claims for loss of husband and father. The GP’s insurers did not formally accept liability but agreed to pay compensation on a full liability basis. As a result, David’s widow secured a substantial sum of compensation for negligent treatment.