Defense Verdict: A Life Saved Yet, with Significant Gynecologic Complications

Senior Partner Bruce G. Habian received a defense verdict in Supreme Court, New York County in a case involving a patient who presented to the emergency room with significant hemorrhage (clinically noted, as well as, with low lab values) 10 days after a normal spontaneous vaginal delivery. In an attempt to avoid an indicated hysterectomy, the attending obstetrician performed a D&C and packed the uterus, with a plan to embolize the arteries in the future. During the course of the packing, significant lacerations of the bladder, cervix and vaginal wall occurred, ultimately necessitating a hysterectomy and significant bladder repair. Notwithstanding these complications, the jury returned a defense verdict. This indicated an appreciation for the temporizing nature of the conservative – packing – approach in light of the severe bleeding. The ultimate hysterectomy was argued as a potential procedure at the outset, essentially, unavoidable under the circumstances.