£9,000 Settlement
James, 46, from Walthamstow, had been struggling with tiredness, fatigue, cognitive impairment and bloating since 2009 when he attended his GP. He underwent some tests but was not advised of any abnormalities.
James continued to experience symptoms but was told it was likely due to depression and anxiety. He changed GP surgeries in 2014. In September of that year, he underwent blood tests which his GP advised indicated that he had tested positive for coeliac disease. The GP advised him that it was the second time he had tested positive for the disease in 5 years, however, the positive result in 2009 had not been relayed to him by his previous surgery.
James was then referred for an endoscopy and a few months later he was diagnosed with coeliac disease. He commenced a gluten-free diet shortly thereafter and his symptoms mostly resolved within 3 months. He continued to experience fatigue, chronic pain and other symptoms but these are believed to be unrelated to the coeliac disease. James has since been diagnosed with Fibromyalgia in February 2017.
Expert evidence was obtained from a Consultant Physician and Gastroenterologist. He provided a causation report and a C&P report. A breach report was then obtained by another expert who confirmed both a Practice system failing and a breach by the individual GP. A Letter of Claim was served on this basis.
The defendant then made an offer of £9,000, which James happily accepted.
