Was Abby Lee Miller Ignored by Doctors for Four Painful Years?
Abby Lee Miller, best known for Dance Moms, has filed a medical malpractice lawsuit that’s raising eyebrows across both Hollywood and healthcare. The 59-year-old reality star is suing Cedars-Sinai Medical Center and two doctors, claiming a catheter was left inside her body during spinal surgery in 2020—and remained undetected until 2024.
For nearly four years, Miller says she lived with persistent, unexplained pain. Despite repeated visits to doctors and clear complaints, no imaging was done. It wasn’t until she went to a different hospital for an unrelated issue that a CT scan finally uncovered the truth: a bright blue catheter embedded beneath layers of scar tissue.
The device was surgically removed during an emergency procedure last summer. Miller is now seeking at least $1.4 million in damages for what she calls a preventable and prolonged medical error.
Years of Dismissed Pain and a Fight for Answers
Miller’s legal team argues this case goes far beyond one surgical oversight—it reflects a broader pattern in medicine, particularly in how women’s pain is treated. “She was vocal. She was in visible distress. And she was ignored,” said Miller’s attorney, Nadine Lewis.
Following her 2018 diagnosis with Burkitt lymphoma, a rare and aggressive cancer, Miller became paraplegic and has required ongoing medical care. Though she was declared cancer-free in 2019, she remained wheelchair-bound and frequently reported post-surgical pain.
But instead of investigating her symptoms, the lawsuit claims physicians chalked it up to scar tissue and offered no further diagnostics. “Not one scan. Not one real answer,” Miller reportedly told friends.
Cedars-Sinai, citing patient privacy and legal policies, declined to comment on the details but stated that the care and safety of patients remain a top priority.
Medical Mistakes and Missed Opportunities
Miller’s story may sound dramatic, but the underlying issue is disturbingly common. Each year, an estimated 1 in 5,500 surgeries results in a foreign object being left inside the patient’s body—ranging from gauze to metal tools. These are classified as “never events,” meaning they’re errors that should never happen in modern medicine.
The legal process for pursuing a malpractice case in California starts with a 90-day notice, giving providers a chance to settle out of court. In Miller’s case, neither the hospital nor the doctors responded. That silence led to a public lawsuit and renewed attention to the risks patients face when trust in the system breaks down.
Financially, payouts vary. Minor cases may settle for under $100,000, while serious cases involving long-term damage or permanent disability—like Miller’s—can result in settlements in the high six or seven figures. California’s MICRA law caps non-economic damages at $350,000, but there’s no limit on tangible costs like ongoing care or lost income.
Most doctors and hospitals carry malpractice insurance, which typically covers settlement payments. But major claims can lead to state medical board reviews, higher insurance premiums, or even job consequences. And for patients like Miller, there’s also the emotional toll—knowing the pain could have been avoided if someone had simply listened.
“This isn’t just about what they did,” her lawyer said. “It’s about what they refused to see.”
A Sweet Reunion in the Middle of the Storm
Just as her lawsuit made headlines, Miller had a rare joyful moment: a reunion with former student JoJo Siwa on Access Daily. The 22-year-old singer and dancer surprised her longtime mentor on live TV, instantly embracing her and calling her a guiding force.
“I think the one thing I would never lose for Abby is respect,” Siwa said. “Even after everything, that never changes.”
Miller—known for her intense coaching style—teared up as she watched old clips and laughed at how far they’ve both come. “She was a star from day one,” Miller said, recalling JoJo’s first audition.
The moment reminded fans that even in difficult seasons, connection and recognition still matter. For Miller, the fight in court may be grueling—but her legacy as a teacher and survivor remains firmly intact.
People Also Ask (PAA)
Can you sue a hospital for leaving something inside you?
Yes. Leaving a foreign object after surgery is considered medical malpractice and may lead to significant compensation.
What’s the average payout for surgical negligence?
Amounts vary. Simple cases may settle for $50,000–$200,000, while severe errors causing disability can exceed $1 million.
How long do I have to file a malpractice lawsuit in California?
You typically have one year from the date of discovery, or up to three years from the injury—whichever is sooner.
What is medical battery?
Medical battery refers to unauthorized or negligent treatment that causes harm—especially when done without informed consent.
Do doctors get punished for these mistakes?
Sometimes. Serious malpractice claims may result in license reviews, increased insurance costs, and potential job consequences.