Emily Mitchell Awarded $17 Million After Surgical Error Resulted in the Removal of Her Bladder
A Kennebec County jury has awarded Emily Mitchell $17 million in damages following a catastrophic surgical error that resulted in the removal of her bladder. The procedure, originally intended to address a benign ovarian cyst, was performed by Northern Light Inland Hospital and Northern Light Health on March 1, 2023. Surgeons discovered the bladder was mistakenly removed during the operation, leaving Emily Mitchell with irreversible injuries and requiring her to rely on nephrostomy tubes for eight months before receiving reconstructive surgery in Massachusetts. Attorneys for Emily Mitchell stated that the mistake caused significant health repercussions, including recurring infections and ongoing medical complications. The jury found the healthcare system liable for past and future medical expenses, emotional distress, and permanent impairment. This verdict represents the largest medical malpractice award in Kennebec County. The award provides closure for Emily Mitchell, who continues to live with the permanent effects of the injuries nearly three years after the original operation.