Medical negligence cases remain critical in ensuring accountability within healthcare systems, often spotlighting the consequences of misdiagnosis or delayed treatment. A recent judgement from the High Court highlights one such case, wherein St James’s Hospital (SJH) in Dublin was found negligent for failing to diagnose a rare and life-threatening condition during a prolonged 42-day admission.
This ruling not only underscores the importance of timely and accurate diagnoses but also signals how essential it is for affected individuals to seek legal recourse when medical standards fall short.
About the Case
The Background
The plaintiff, a young Spanish national living with HIV, was admitted to St James’s Hospital in February 2014 with a life-threatening condition. While within the care of SJH, the plaintiff was diagnosed with hemophagocytic lymphohistiocytosis (HLH), a rare but severe systemic inflammatory syndrome. However, throughout the 42-day hospitalisation, the clinicians failed to diagnose the concurrent presence of visceral leishmaniasis (VL).
VL is a parasitic disease fatal in 95% of untreated cases and highly associated with HIV patients in endemic regions, such as Spain. Despite the plaintiff’s clear epidemiological association with VL and clinical signs like massive splenomegaly (enlarged spleen), the condition was overlooked.
The hospital initiated chemotherapy for HLH and provided other life-saving treatments but did not identify nor treat VL adequately. After being transferred to Spain, VL was diagnosed and successfully treated within three days, leading to the plaintiff’s recovery and discharge.
Findings of Negligence
Standard of Care
The High Court reaffirmed the Dunne principles, reaffirming that negligence occurs when a medical professional’s actions deviate from that of an ordinary, competent practitioner. Notably, in this case, Justice Emily Egan concluded that while SJH clinicians acted reasonably in diagnosing HLH early on, they failed to revisit the initial diagnosis despite evidence that should have triggered further investigation. By the third week of admission, the plaintiff’s unchanged condition suggested an alternative diagnosis should have been explored.
Failure of Diagnosis
The High Court found that by mid-March 2014, SJH’s clinicians should have reasonably suspected VL in light of:
- The epidemiological context linking HIV, VL, and the plaintiff’s Spanish nationality.
- The lack of improvement from HLH treatment.
- Negative results for herpes virus 8 (a trigger for HLH) by that point.
SJH was deemed negligent for failing to commence treatment with AmBisome (a standard antifungal for VL) until April, significantly delaying the plaintiff’s recovery and causing avoidable pain, distress, and suffering.
Compensation Awarded
The court awarded €26,000 in general damages to the plaintiff, reflecting the unnecessary pain and additional treatment endured during this delayed period.
What This Means for Medical Negligence Cases in Ireland
The High Court judgement serves as a reminder of the critical importance of vigilance in diagnosis. While medical professionals should not be expected to account for every conceivable possibility at the outset, revisiting initial conclusions when presented with contradictory evidence is a hallmark of appropriate care. The case also highlights the need for specialised knowledge within healthcare systems, particularly when treating conditions typically rare in a given country.
For others who may feel they or their loved ones have received substandard medical care, this case serves as a powerful precedent to seek justice and accountability.
How to Move Forward if You Are a Victim of Medical Negligence
If you or someone you know has suffered as a result of delayed diagnosis or improper medical treatment, pursuing legal advice is crucial. At HOMS Assist, we specialise in helping individuals and families affected by medical negligence. With over 55 years of experience, our compassionate legal team provides expert guidance tailored to your unique situation.
Our services include:
- Comprehensive assessment of your case to determine if negligence occurred.
- Supporting you through claims involving delayed diagnosis, surgical errors, or misdiagnosis.
- Advocacy to secure compensation for both physical and emotional suffering.
Understanding when medical care falls below acceptable professional standards can be challenging. Our dedicated team is here to provide clarity and support every step of the way.
Final Thoughts
This judgment is a wake-up call for healthcare providers to strengthen their diagnostic approaches, especially for rare and complex conditions. While legal recourse cannot undo the trauma caused by medical negligence, it can provide a sense of justice and help drive systemic changes to prevent similar mistakes from recurring.
If you believe you have been impacted by medical negligence, don’t wait. Contact HOMS Assist today to discuss your options and explore how we can help you secure the justice and compensation you deserve.
