Maine Woman Emily Mitchell Wins Multi‑Million Verdict After Bladder Removed in Surgery

Emily Mitchell, a resident of Skowhegan, Maine, underwent laparoscopic surgery at Northern Light Health Inland Hospital in March 2023 to remove an ovarian cyst. During the procedure, surgeons mistakenly removed most of her bladder, leading to severe pain, urinary complications, multiple follow‑up surgeries and the creation of a neobladder using intestinal tissue.

A Kennebec County Superior Court jury found Northern Light Health and Inland Hospital negligent. The jury awarded Mitchell $15.75 million for pain, suffering and future medical costs, plus $1.25 million to her husband. Other reports noted a total award of $17 million, describing the verdict as the largest medical‑malpractice judgment in the county’s history. Northern Light Health issued a statement expressing sympathy and emphasizing its commitment to patient safety.