Abby Lee Miller, renowned for her role on the reality TV show Dance Moms, has initiated a medical malpractice lawsuit against Cedars-Sinai Marina del Rey Hospital and two of its physicians, Dr. Hooman Melamed and Dr. Paul Dwan. The suit alleges that a catheter was negligently left inside her body during a spinal surgery in 2020, leading to years of unaddressed pain and suffering.
Allegations of Negligence
According to legal documents filed on June 3, 2025, in Los Angeles County Superior Court, Miller underwent spinal surgery at Cedars-Sinai Marina del Rey Hospital in 2020. Post-surgery, she reportedly experienced persistent abdominal pain, which she communicated to multiple physicians, including the surgeons involved. Despite her complaints, no imaging tests were conducted to investigate the source of her discomfort.
In June 2024, a CT scan performed for an unrelated issue revealed a foreign object—identified as a retained catheter—embedded in her abdomen. An emergency procedure was subsequently carried out to remove the object.
Legal Claims and Hospital Response
Miller’s lawsuit encompasses claims of medical malpractice, professional negligence, and medical battery. She is seeking a minimum of $1.4 million in damages. Her attorney, Nadine Lewis, emphasized that the hospital and involved physicians had a 90-day period to address the issue privately but failed to respond substantively.
Cedars-Sinai Medical Center has refrained from commenting on the pending litigation, citing patient privacy laws. However, a spokesperson stated, “The care and safety of our patients, staff, and visitors are always Cedars-Sinai’s top priorities. We are dedicated to ensuring that we meet the highest standards of care for all those we serve.”
Background and Implications
Miller’s health challenges began in 2018 when she was diagnosed with Bur … . The disease and subsequent treatments left her paraplegic. The alleged oversight during her 2020 surgery has compounded her health issues, leading to ongoing pain and suffering.
Through this lawsuit, Miller aims to shed light on the potential risks of surgical errors and the importance of addressing patients’ postoperative concerns seriously. Her case underscores the critical need for thorough postoperative care and the acknowledgment of patients’ reported symptoms.
