A woman has received a substantial £12 million settlement after surgeons mistakenly removed her bladder in what has been described as a catastrophic surgical blunder. Emily Mitchell, 41, was granted $17 million (£12.79 million) by Kennebec County Superior Court after the bladder removal incident at Northern Light Inland Hospital in Waterville, Maine. The error occurred during a surgery to address an ovarian cyst, leading to severe consequences for Ms. Mitchell.
Following the procedure, it was discovered that her bladder had been taken out instead of the intended cyst removal. This led to a series of corrective surgeries over several months. The surgical mishap resulted in the irreversible removal of crucial bladder tissue, leaving Ms. Mitchell with significant challenges. She had to undergo extensive medical interventions, including the placement of nephrostomy tubes to drain urine directly from her kidneys.
Subsequently, she faced complications such as urinary tract infections and kidney issues, necessitating further medical procedures. Ultimately, she underwent a complex surgery to implant a neo bladder using a portion of her small intestine. Despite these efforts, Ms. Mitchell continues to live with the lasting effects of the bladder removal incident even after nearly three years.
The legal battle concluded with a landmark award, considered the largest in Kennebec County history. The settlement included substantial amounts for past and future medical expenses, pain and suffering, and compensation for permanent injuries. Additionally, Ms. Mitchell’s husband received compensation for the loss of care and companionship.
In response to the payout, Attorney Susan A Faunce expressed that the verdict not only provided financial relief but also a sense of closure for the long-suffering couple. The legal victory was emphasized as a crucial step towards moving forward from the traumatic ordeal. Ms. Faunce highlighted the importance of accountability and recognition for the hardships endured, despite acknowledging that the award could not fully erase the pain and losses experienced by the victims.