Family of 28-year old-diabetic who died settle action against Limerick medical centre

Man 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 and died three days later, court heard

Daniel Ammonsen's mother Inga Ammonsen and brother Jack Ammonsen of Garryowen, Co Limerick, and solicitor Niamh Ní Mhurchú at the High Court on Friday. Picture: Collins Courts

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 21, 2021.

An autopsy 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 Ní Mhurchú of Callan Tansey solicitors, told the court 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 phoned the practice on February 17, 2021, saying 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 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 18, Daniel collapsed with cardiac arrest and was admitted to University Hospital Limerick, where he died three days later.

Counsel said it was their case 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 been 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, it was claimed, an alleged failure to consider the likelihood that Daniel‘s condition was deteriorating in the context of the developing diabetic ketoacidosis.

It was further claimed there was 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 Ní Mhurchú 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 length of time it took to get answers has compounded the family’s pain, No family should have to fight for clarity while grieving,” the statement added.