Courts / Limerick / Report

Mother used Google to diagnose boy's condition before doctors, court hears as negligence claim is settled

Date
2023-06-29

Stage
Hearing Or Decision

Primary locality
Limerick

Summary

In a High Court settlement, a mother used Google to diagnose her six‑year‑old son, Padraic O'Callaghan, with Kawasaki disease before doctors did, leading to a claim of medical negligence against the HSE. Padraic, from Kilmeedy, Co. Limerick, was first admitted to University Hospital Limerick in November 2016 at six weeks old with cough, vomiting and fever. He was discharged twice with a diagnosis of viral respiratory infection, then readmitted when a rash appeared. After further tests, doctors suspected viral meningitis but did not diagnose Kawasaki disease until weeks later, when the mother's online research prompted a discussion. The delayed diagnosis allegedly caused life‑changing complications, including severe cardiac issues, a high risk of brain bleed, and lifelong blood‑thinning medication. The court approved an interim payment of €570,000 as part of the settlement, with no admission of liability, and the case will return in five years.

Who, what, where, when and why

What: Report matter: Mother used Google to diagnose boy's condition before doctors, court hears as negligence claim is settled. Procedural stage: hearing_or_decision

When: