'Peter', 69

Several failures to spot an immune deficiency as indicated in blood tests, resulted in Peter’s premature death from an untreated underlying condition.

Claire Boardman was able to secure £157,500 for Peter’s family. Read his story:

What went wrong

For most of his life Peter had been generally well and active, however he started to experience shortness of breath, a fever and a headache. He was admitted to hospital with a chest infection and was sent for blood tests.

His blood test revealed low Immunoglobulin G (IgG) which is a crucial part of the immune system, and a lack of IgG can make individuals more vulnerable to infections. However, these results were not investigated further.

Peter was discharged with antibiotics and steroids and followed up eight weeks later with nothing of note.

Numerous infections

Over the next few months Peter had several infections and was generally feeling unwell.

He was admitted to hospital with pneumonia. He also had swelling in his arm from a cut on his elbow, which worsened over time. It was suggested that Peter might require investigations due to recurrent infections.

Bloods showed low Immunoglobulin G and para protein and abnormal kidney function, all an indication of an autoimmune disorder, but again these were never followed up.

Peter went on to have further infections and doses of antibiotics, which did not work. Sadly, Peter passed away seven months after his initial blood test revealed a deficiency, which was never treated.

JMW’s investigation

Peter’s wife contacted JMW as she was concerned that Peter’s deterioration should have been picked up earlier.

Claire Boardman, associate in our clinical negligence team, was able to put a strong case together and assessed that had a referral been made as soon as immune deficiency had been identified or following review by haematology, Peter’s need for immunoglobulin replacement therapy and prophylactic antibiotics would have been actioned. Meaning further infections would have then been less frequent and less severe.

However, failure to do this led Peter to have repeated severe infections and brought about his premature death.

Claire was able to secure a settlement of £157,500 to help Peter’s family feel secure financially after losing Peter.