John’s story: Missed liver disease diagnosis leads to tragic outcome

The partner of a man who died due to a failure to diagnose and treat his liver disease on multiple occasions has settled her medical negligence claim against the defendant doctor.

Timeline of events

John, who was in his 40s at the time, struggled with alcohol dependency. In 2016, the defendant doctor should have referred him to a hepatology specialist after blood tests showed signs of liver dysfunction.

In summer 2019, John visited the defendant doctor showing clear signs of liver disease, including jaundice and raised gamma GT levels. He should have been urgently referred to a specialist but this was not done.

John died three months later after developing severe hepatitis.

How we helped John’s misdiagnosis case

John’s long-term partner pursued a claim against the defendant doctor, who admitted breaches of duty but denied their failures caused his death. An out-of-court settlement was reached, which recognised the impact the failings had on John’s life expectancy.

A note from Wioleta Dworak

 “This case highlights the devastating consequences of missed medical opportunities.

“If properly referred, John would have been diagnosed with compensated liver cirrhosis within three months. With medical support, he could have reduced or stopped drinking, received necessary treatments and been closely monitored. Research shows that more than half of patients with alcohol-related liver disease achieve abstinence or significantly reduce drinking with proper intervention.

“John had previously reduced his alcohol consumption with support, making it likely that he could have done so again. Had he received the right care, he would have stayed in good health, continued working full-time and likely lived at least another decade. However, due to the failure to refer him in 2016, John continued drinking heavily, causing his condition to worsen.

“Had he been referred in 2019, he would have been diagnosed with early decompensated cirrhosis and started on a supervised withdrawal programme. Medical evidence suggests this would have prevented him from developing alcoholic hepatitis, the condition that ultimately led to his death.

“With the right support, John could have managed his condition, continued working and had more years with his family.”