Maine Jury Awards $17 Million to Woman Who Lost Bladder in Botched Surgery

A Maine woman has been awarded $17 million after a jury found a hospital negligent when a surgeon mistakenly removed her bladder during a routine surgery intended to address an ovarian cyst.

Emily Mitchell, 43, of Skowhegan, was awarded $15.75 million in damages, with her husband receiving an additional $1.25 million for the loss of companionship and support. The verdict followed a 10-day trial where a jury unanimously sided with Mitchell, determining that Northern Light Inland Hospital was negligent.

Mitchell initially sought treatment in March 2023 for what she believed was an ovarian cyst. Court documents indicate that the surgeon, Dr. Danielle Gagnon, removed nearly all of Mitchell’s healthy bladder instead of the cyst. The error was not immediately apparent.

Months later, Mitchell returned to the hospital experiencing severe pain, swelling, and an inability to urinate. A subsequent procedure at Eastern Maine Medical Center revealed the shocking extent of the mistake: her bladder had been entirely removed.

For over eight months, Mitchell endured a challenging recovery, relying on tubes to drain urine directly from her kidneys. She suffered from recurrent urinary tract and kidney infections, underwent multiple medical procedures, and faced ongoing complications, according to reports from WMTW8 and News Center Maine.

Surgeons ultimately reconstructed a bladder for Mitchell using a segment of her small intestine, as too little of the original organ remained for repair. Despite reconstructive surgery, Mitchell continues to battle recurring urinary tract infections and anticipates lifelong medical care due to the surgical error.

Hospital officials stated they respected the jury's verdict and expressed sympathy for Mitchell and her family. Patient safety, they added, remains their top priority. Dr. Gagnon is no longer employed by Northern Light Health.

The hospital where the surgery occurred closed last year due to financial difficulties. The jury's award is reportedly the largest medical malpractice verdict in Kennebec County history.