Maine Jury Awards $6.7 Million in Hospital Malpractice Case

A Maine jury has awarded $6.7 million to a woman whose husband died at Eastern Maine Medical Center following an all-terrain vehicle accident.

A Penobscot County jury granted the award to 49-year-old Paula Braley, of Lee, for the 2005 death of her husband, Thomas Braley Sr.

The lawsuit alleged that doctors failed to follow up on tests indicating internal bleeding, which caused one of Braley’s lungs to collapse and led to a fatal heart attack. Attorneys said the award will likely be reduced because damages for conscious suffering and loss of companionship and emotional distress have been capped by the Legislature.

The hospital’s attorney said a decision on whether to appeal won’t be made until the judge issues a final ruling.