#United States #Maine #Lewiston #Emily Mitchell #Surgical Error

Landmark Verdict in Kennebec County

On July 23, 2026, a Kennebec County jury awarded a staggering $17 million to Emily Mitchell. This decision stemmed from a catastrophic surgical error that occurred during what was supposed to be a routine procedure—a laparoscopic surgery targeting a benign ovarian cyst.

From the moment the case was heard, it became clear that the stakes were high. The patient had gone in for an operation that many undergo without concern, yet emerged facing significant, life-altering challenges. The jury's verdict reflects the seriousness of the situation: Emily's bladder was mistakenly removed in a shocking yet preventable error.

This unfortunate incident occurred on March 1, 2023, when surgeons at Inland Hospital failed to accurately identify and preserve the bladder before removing tissue that led to dire consequences. The evidence presented at the trial disclosed that what began as a routine gynecological procedure turned into a nightmare for Emily.

In the aftermath of the surgery, Emily experienced a rapid deterioration in her health. She had to be transferred to Eastern Maine Medical Center for urgent surgical intervention when it became evident that something had gone terribly wrong. Here, surgeons confirmed the devastating news: that her bladder, a vital organ, had inadvertently been taken out during the earlier operation. Pathological tests validated their findings, indicating that the tissue removed was indeed bladder material, and crucially, there was not enough viable tissue left to attempt any reconstruction.

For over eight months, Emily endured a grueling experience involving the use of bilateral nephrostomy tubes—these tubes drained urine directly from her kidneys as she suffered through recurrent urinary tract infections, multiple medical procedures, and various complications. Eventually, she was referred to specialized surgeons in Massachusetts who performed a highly complex reconstructive surgery, utilizing a portion of her small intestine to create a neobladder.

Despite this surgery, Emily’s life has been irrevocably altered. She now needs to self-catheterize several times daily and continues to seek medical attention for the ongoing repercussions of the surgery. The psychological and emotional toll of the incident has also contributed to lasting pain and distress, making it imperative for her to seek adequate support and care for her new reality.

The legal team representing Emily, led by Travis M. Brennan and Susan A. Faunce from the prominent Maine law firm Berman Simmons, described the jury’s decision as more than a mere legal outcome. It serves as an essential acknowledgment of Emily’s suffering and a pivotal step toward closure for her and her family. Susan A. Faunce remarked, "For our clients, this isn't just a legal victory—it's the closure they've needed. They can finally begin to move forward, knowing that what happened to them was acknowledged."

The jury found Northern Light Health and Inland Hospital liable, awarding Emily a total of $17 million in damages. This coverage includes past and future medical expenses, emotional distress, loss of enjoyment of life, pain and suffering, and recognition of her permanent impairment.

This case sets a monumental precedent in Kennebec County, marking it as one of the largest jury awards related to medical malpractice in the region's history. It raises essential discussions on surgical care and the vigilant oversight needed to prevent similar incidents from recurring.

Berman Simmons has established itself as a formidable entity in featuring complex injury and medical malpractice cases, having recovered over $1.5 billion for injured clients across all of Maine’s counties. With their thorough approach and commitment to seeking justice, cases such as Emily's highlight the vital role of accountability in healthcare and the impact of medical errors on patients' lives.