In June 2025, Abby Lee Miller, best known from Dance Moms, filed a medical malpractice and negligence lawsuit in Los Angeles County Superior Court against Cedars-Sinai Marina del Rey Hospital and several physicians. The lawsuit alleges that during a 2020 spinal surgery, a catheter was negligently left inside her body. Miller only discovered the retained surgical object in June 2024 when a CT scan revealed its presence, prompting an emergency procedure for its removal. Miller has used a wheelchair since her Burkitt lymphoma diagnosis in 2018 and claims that despite her ongoing abdominal pain and repeated complaints, her concerns were dismissed by medical staff
Legal Challenges and Public Impact
This case highlights broader concerns about surgical oversight and dismissing patient-reported pain, especially among women with chronic health conditions. It emphasizes the potential dangers of retained foreign objects and the importance of thorough postoperative follow-up. Celebrity involvement has brought public attention to systemic issues in patient care and accountability within the medical system.
Financial and Emotional Toll
The lawsuit emphasizes the severe physical and emotional toll that such oversights can cause. In this case, the damage requested reflects not only pain and suffering but also long-term effects on daily life, quality of life, and trust in healthcare providers.
Legal Framework in California
Under California medical malpractice law, plaintiffs may recover damages for medical negligence that results in injury, including medical battery, wrongful acts, and emotional distress. Cases involving retained surgical objects are recognized as particularly egregious forms of negligence and often lead to significant settlements or verdicts.
Compensation in California medical malpractice cases can differ widely, influenced by factors like how severe the injury is, the degree of negligence involved, and how the harm affects the patient’s long-term well-being.
While state law caps non-economic damages at $350,000 in medical malpractice cases filed before 2023, with gradual increases afterward, plaintiffs can also recover for economic losses such as additional medical expenses, rehabilitation, lost income, and reduced earning capacity. Nationwide, the average settlement for medical malpractice claims is around $329,000, although high-profile or severe injury cases can reach several million dollars. In Los Angeles, claims involving retained surgical objects are often considered serious negligence, which can lead to higher awards, especially when clear liability and substantial financial losses are proven.
This case serves as a reminder that even trusted medical institutions can make serious errors with lasting consequences. Pursuing legal action not only offers a path to financial recovery but can also drive changes in policies and procedures, helping to prevent similar incidents in the future.
Source: https://people.com/abby-lee-miller-is-suing-cedars-sinai-for-allegedly-leaving-a-catheter-inside-her-body-11747826
