Five - Figure Settlement for Family of Meningitis Victim

The parents of a child who died after their doctor failed to diagnose meningitis have been awarded a five-figure settlement.

Liam Eaves was just nine months old when he fell ill in the summer of 2004. His skin was grey and he was shivering and coughing. His parents rushed him to their GP, Dr Kuba Julius Ebo, who diagnosed a suspected ear infection, prescribed antibiotics and sent him home.

A few hours later, however, Liam developed a rash on his thigh and his parents, suspecting he was seriously ill, returned to the GP. Dr Ebo reassured them and again sent them home.

Not long afterwards, Liam was violently sick and his parents called NHS Direct, which sent an ambulance. When it arrived, the paramedics suggested that Liam might have a nappy rash or chicken pox and his parents ‘reluctantly’ agreed that the ambulance crew would not take him to hospital.

Later that evening, after Liam had been put to bed, his mother checked on him and noticed that he had developed big purple patches on his skin. This time, after again calling NHS Direct, a second ambulance took Liam to hospital where he died a few hours later of meningococcal septicaemia.

After Liam died, both the GP and the ambulance service admitted they had been negligent in his care.

Liam's parents initiated a legal action which resulted in an out of court settlement.