Family of diabetic man who died after seeing doctor settle High Court action

Ann O'Loughlin

The family of a 28-year-old man with diabetes who died days after he was seen by a doctor has settled a High Court action against a Limerick medical centre over his death.

Daniel Ammonsen of Garryowen, Co Limerick, the High Court heard, collapsed at home the day after he was seen by a doctor and was brought to hospital.

He was diagnosed with cardiac arrest and diabetes ketoacidosis which is a condition where the body cannot make enough insulin. The 28-year old’s condition worsened in hospital intensive care, and he died three days later, on February 21st, 2021.

A post-mortem later gave the cause of death as brain stem haemorrhages and diabetic ketoacidosis, along with bleeding in the pancreas.

Daniel’s mother, Inga Ammonsen of Garryowen, Co Limerick, had sued Park Lodge Medical Centre, Dublin Road, Rhebogue, Limerick, over her son’s death.

Daniel had been diagnosed with Type 1 diabetes in 2019 and was a patient of the Park Lodge Medical Centre before and after the diagnosis.

The family’s counsel Maura McNally SC instructed by Niamh Ni Mhurchu of Callan Tansey solicitors, told the court that the case had been settled after mediation and was before the court for the division of the statutory €35,000 mental distress payment.

Counsel said Daniel’s mother had rung the practice on February 17th, 2021, saying that her son was unwell. He had been vomiting and had a temperature, and his mother gave his blood glucose reading.

A doctor came to the house later that evening. There was a follow-up phone call the next day with the mother. It was noted that Daniel was doing a bit better and was sleeping. The doctor’s note, it was claimed, said continue present treatment with a review as required.

However, later that evening on February 18th, Daniel collapsed with cardiac arrest and was admitted to University Hospital Limerick, where he died three days later.

Counsel said it was their case that the medical practice was aware of Daniel’s diabetes diagnosis, and diabetes ketoacidosis is a well-known issue for diabetics, which can cause fatal injuries.

In the proceedings, it was claimed there was an alleged failure to have any or any proper regard for Daniel's presentation and classic symptoms of diabetic ketoacidosis. There was also, it was contended, an alleged failure to ensure close monitoring of Daniel’s glucose levels.

A vomiting insulin-dependent diabetic, it was claimed had allegedly been left at home in alleged disregard of the requirements of managing diabetes, and there was an alleged failure to consider or refer for urgent hospital assessment.

There was also an alleged failure to consider the likelihood that Daniel‘s condition was deteriorating in the context of the developing diabetic ketoacidosis.

There was also an alleged failure to diagnose Daniel with the diabetic complication and a failure to ensure he was provided with the necessary and timely treatment.

Noting the settlement and the division of the solatium, Mr Justice Paul Coffey expressed his deepest sympathy to Daniel’s family.

In a statement outside court, solicitor Niamh Ni Mhurchu, on behalf of the family, said they were devastated by the loss of Daniel, whose life was tragically cut short.

"Daniel was deeply loved and full of promise. While nothing can bring Daniel back, accountability matters. We hope that acknowledging what happened will help prevent other families from experiencing a similar loss," the statement said.

"The length of time it took to get answers has compounded the family’s pain. No family should have to fight for clarity while grieving.”