Jury awards $6.5M in hospital negligence case

TL;DR

A Penobscot County jury awarded Travis Getchell $6.5 million for negligence by Northern Light Eastern Maine Medical Center.
Hospital delayed surgery nearly 24 hours on his emergency spinal injury in August 2021, causing partial paralysis.
Verdict validates Getchell's suffering and holds the hospital accountable for life-altering harm.

The story at a glance

A jury found Northern Light Eastern Maine Medical Center negligent in delaying surgery for Travis Getchell's spinal injury, awarding him $6.5 million. Getchell sued the hospital and Dr. Kutluay Uluc in 2024 after the August 2021 incident left him partially paralyzed. The case wrapped up Thursday after five days of testimony, marking one of the highest verdicts in Penobscot County.

Key points

Getchell, then 36, felt a pop in his back on Aug. 30, 2021, while taking out trash, lost leg sensation and bladder control, and went to EMMC's emergency room.
MRI confirmed cauda equina syndrome, but clinicians delayed review for nearly four hours; surgery did not happen until 3 p.m. Aug. 31, almost 24 hours later.
Surgery revealed a herniated disc compressing nerves; the disc was partially removed, but Getchell now walks short distances only with leg braces and lacks bladder/bowel control.
Jury ruled EMMC medically negligent, with the negligence causing harm; award covers future medical bills and pain/suffering.
Getchell moved back with his aging parents and relies on them for basic tasks post-injury.

Details and context

Cauda equina syndrome compresses nerves at the spinal cord's base; quick surgery can treat most symptoms, per the Cleveland Clinic cited in the lawsuit.
Attorney Benjamin Gideon called the bladder function change a "flashing neon sign" of urgency in closing arguments.
Northern Light spokesperson expressed disappointment but respect for the verdict and wished Getchell good health.

Key quotes

“The jury really said to him, ‘We believe you and we see your suffering and what this hospital did is not OK,’” attorney Meryl Poulin told the Bangor Daily News.
“While we are disappointed with the jury’s verdict, we respect it,” Northern Light spokesperson Suzanne Spruce said.

Why it matters

This verdict underscores hospital accountability for emergency delays that cause permanent harm. It means large awards can fund life-changing care for victims like Getchell, who gains support services. Watch for any appeal from Northern Light, though none is confirmed yet.