Delayed Diagnosis of Postpartum Haematoma

  • Outcome: Settlement [$825,000 incl. costs]
  • Court: County Court of Victoria
  • Defendants: Major Metropolitan Melbourne Public Hospital

This was a medical negligence claim arising from complications following the birth of the plaintiff’s third child in April 2015. The case involved allegations that a serious postpartum complication was not properly recognised or treated, leading to prolonged pain, further surgery and ongoing health problems.

The Circumstances

The plaintiff presented to Monash Medical Centre at 38.5 weeks’ gestation and delivered a healthy baby by vaginal birth later that evening. During the delivery she sustained a second-degree perineal tear which required surgical repair.

Shortly after the birth, the plaintiff began experiencing severe pelvic, abdominal and back pain. Over the following days she continued to report significant symptoms, including ongoing pain and urinary difficulties.

It was later discovered that she had developed a paravaginal haematoma, a recognised complication of childbirth involving internal bleeding in the vaginal tissues. The condition eventually required surgical treatment to drain the haematoma.

The Allegations

Expert obstetric evidence suggested the condition should have been detected much earlier through an appropriate history, physical examination and vaginal examination when the plaintiff first presented with symptoms.

Instead, the diagnosis was delayed, allowing the haematoma to enlarge and prolong recovery. Experts concluded that earlier recognition and treatment could have led to quicker resolution of the condition and reduced the likelihood of ongoing complications.

Lasting Impact

Following the delayed diagnosis and treatment, the plaintiff experienced ongoing health problems including pelvic pain, urinary dysfunction and dyspareunia (pain during intercourse).

Medical experts concluded that while some symptoms were related to the original childbirth trauma, others were likely worsened by the delay in diagnosis and treatment.

  • What our clients say

We measure our success by how clients feel
throughout the process.

“

“We were told by another law firm that we had no claim, but then someone recommended […]

Today, we have settled a claim, and Anthony Porthouse was very professional and very responsive. He made it clear what was happening and what we should do. I would highly recommend […] for any case where you need to be looked after.”

John Turner

Verified Google Review

“

“I would fully recommend […] for several reasons.

My case involved the death of my husband so it has been an extremely difficult time for me. My lawyer (Anthony Porthouse) and his team were extremely compassionate and understanding. They kept me up to date with the progression of the case and explored every avenue regarding getting me the best result. Trust was a very important factor and I trusted their judgement completely.

I was treated with respect and not made to feel as though I was just another case. If you need a very good lawyer then I definitely would consider […] VH”

Val Hart

Verified Google Review

“

“I just wanted to put something in writing to thank […] particularly Anthony Porthouse and Mallika Uppal, for their professionalism, transparency, commitment, integrity, compassion and support throughout my particularly complex case. You made the whole process much less stressful than it could have been and I am so thankful to you for this.

Anthony and Mallika are highly competent and their expertise is second to none. They were always available to me for any questions I had and everything was always explained in plain speak. This reassurance was, to me, and integral part of the process. Overall, they really went above and beyond, and I feel confident that they achieved the best outcome for my case. Now this horrendous journey is over and I can now, thanks to them, begin to move on with my life. I will always be grateful to them and have no hesitation in giving them my highest recommendation. Thank You does not seem enough.
Kim D”

Kim Dunks

Verified Google Review

“

“Anthony & Patricia were wonderful for my case, not only did they do an outstanding job in the courts, it was the extra time and care they put in and my emotions and health was there priority. That to me was priceless while going thru my cancer treatment and my case…”

Walid Abboud

Verified Google Review