A significant decision regarding patient consent and care in obstetric practice has been handed down in recent case law: Gawthrop v Bendigo Health [2026] VSC 157.
Bree Knoester is the founder of Brave Legal and one of Australia’s leading personal injury lawyers. Bree has practiced for over 20 years as both a barrister and solicitor; and has represented clients in some of Victoria’s largest compensation settlements.
Recent UK case law has narrowed the scope of some psychiatric injury claims. We consider how Australian law differs, what this means in practice, and why further restrictions could create additional barriers for families already facing significant loss.