The Case of Frank Dimos
The tragic death of 67-year-old grandfather Fotios “Frank” Dimos has exposed a dangerous gap in Victoria’s medical indemnity system- one that leaves some victims of medical negligence without any legal recourse, even when a doctor has been found at fault.
In November 2015, Frank attended his long-time GP, Dr Constantinos Perkoulidis, at a Brunswick clinic. He was gravely unwell and struggling to answer basic questions. Despite clear red flags, he was sent home with a diagnosis of a simple viral infection and told to take Nurofen.
Frank died hours later from an aortic dissection- a life-threatening condition that can be treated with emergency surgery if identified in time.
A Decade-Long Fight for Answers
Frank’s family spent years trying to hold Perkoulidis accountable. In 2022, the Supreme Court of Victoria granted a default judgment in their favour after the doctor repeatedly avoided service and failed to engage in the legal process.
But what they uncovered next was devastating.
Perkoulidis had:
- Stopped paying his medical indemnity insurance premiums after ceasing practice in 2018
- Failed to notify his insurer about the claim
- Declared bankruptcy, with no assets
- Held no run-off cover, which protects patients when claims arise after a doctor retires
Without insurance, and without eligibility for the government’s run-off cover scheme, Frank’s family had no avenue to recover compensation- despite clear evidence of negligent treatment.
A System Failing Vulnerable Patients
Arnold Thomas & Becker principal lawyer Emily Hart, who represents the Dimos family, said the case highlights a fundamental flaw in Victoria’s approach to medical indemnity:
“Dr Perkoulidis held a ‘claims made’ policy, which only provides coverage if the doctor notifies the insurer of a claim. He never did- and as a result, the insurer denies that any indemnity policy applies.”
Hart explains that while national regulations require doctors to hold run-off cover, the system relies heavily on self-reporting. When a doctor retires abruptly, becomes bankrupt, or simply fails to comply, patients can be left completely unprotected.
Despite this long track record of misconduct, there was no mechanism ensuring he maintained valid indemnity cover after retiring.
Why This Case Matters for All Victorians
Frank’s story is not an isolated incident- it is a warning.
When doctors retire, change careers, or cease practising, there is currently no effective safeguard to guarantee they hold appropriate insurance for claims that may arise later. Medical negligence claims often take years to surface; without run-off cover, families like the Dimos’ may have no options for justice.
The outcome raises serious questions.
Support for Families Affected by Medical Negligence
Arnold Thomas & Becker continues to advocate for Frank’s family and for broader reform to ensure no other families are left without recourse in similar circumstances.
If you or someone you love has suffered due to a misdiagnosis or negligent medical treatment, our medical negligence team can help you understand your rights- even in complex cases involving retired or uninsured practitioners. Contact our Medical Negligence team today on 1300 333 300 or send us a message at [email protected].
Full story by The Age here.