Delayed diagnosis of coeliac disease leads to £31,000 settlement

Gavin Allard in our Clinical Negligence team, secured £31,000 in compensation for a client whose coeliac disease went undiagnosed for years after abnormal test results were not followed up, resulting in prolonged and avoidable symptoms.

Our client attended an appointment at Gloucester Road Medical Centre after experiencing ongoing fatigue and memory problems. Blood tests were arranged, including screening for coeliac disease. Whilst most of the test results were normal, one result was consistent with coeliac disease and indicated that a follow-up appointment should be arranged. Unfortunately, no follow-up was organised and our client was not informed that further investigation was required.  He did not vary his diet, but instead continued to eat gluten.

Although fatigue was the primary concern discussed during the consultation, our client had also been experiencing a number of gastrointestinal symptoms. These symptoms continued for many years without an explanation.

The abnormal test result was also missed during a subsequent health check at Gloucester Road Medical Centre, meaning another opportunity to diagnose our client’s condition was lost. As a result, our client continued to suffer from untreated coeliac disease and lived with ongoing symptoms that affected their quality of life.

The issue only came to light after a family member was diagnosed with coeliac disease and our client underwent further testing. These investigations again produced results suggestive of coeliac disease, leading to referral for further assessment. An endoscopy subsequently confirmed the diagnosis.

Even after diagnosis and dietary changes, our client continued to experience a number of gastrointestinal symptoms. Having reviewed their medical records, they discovered for the first time that the original blood test undertaken years earlier had shown an abnormal result requiring follow-up. The GP practice later acknowledged that a review should have taken place and accepted that an earlier diagnosis would likely have been made had appropriate action been taken.

We investigated the circumstances surrounding the delayed diagnosis and obtained independent expert evidence from both a GP and a consultant gastroenterologist. The experts supported the claim that the abnormal test result should have been acted upon and that our client would likely have been diagnosed much earlier had appropriate follow-up been arranged.

Expert evidence also demonstrated that the delay meant our client continued to experience symptoms associated with untreated coeliac disease for a prolonged period. In addition to gastrointestinal problems, concerns arose regarding potential longer-term health consequences, requiring further specialist investigation.

Following detailed investigations and negotiations, liability was admitted. Gavin subsequently secured a settlement of £31,000 for his client without the need for court proceedings.

Gavin specialises in clinical negligence and personal injury matters, including complex claims. If you would like to discuss a potential claim, or have a general query about a personal injury or clinical negligence matter, please contact Gavin at Thomson Snell & Passmore in confidence. We offer no win no fee agreements on the vast majority of our clinical negligence and personal injury claims.