Who won the $19.8 million lawsuit against Mayo Clinic?

An Iowa woman, Linette Nelson, won a $19.8 million verdict against Mayo Clinic and a surgeon.

What was the allegation in the Mayo Clinic lawsuit?

The lawsuit alleged a surgeon botched a procedure, leaving diseased rectal tissue inside the patient.

What are the consequences for the patient suing Mayo Clinic?

The patient suffers permanent disfigurement, chronic pain, and PTSD due to alleged medical negligence.

Home / Health / Iowa Woman Wins $19.8M Verdict Against Mayo Clinic

Iowa Woman Wins $19.8M Verdict Against Mayo Clinic

26 Nov, 2025

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Summary

Jury awards Iowa woman $19.8 million in a medical negligence lawsuit.
Allegations include a botched surgery leaving diseased rectum inside.
Patient suffers permanent disfigurement and chronic pain post-surgery.

Iowa Woman Wins $19.8M Verdict Against Mayo Clinic

A jury has delivered a $19.8 million verdict against Mayo Clinic and a colorectal surgeon in favor of an Iowa patient. The lawsuit, filed in Minnesota courts, alleged that a multi-stage operation in June 2018 was "botched," leaving a significant portion of diseased rectum inside the patient's body.

Attorneys for the patient claimed the surgeon dismissed evidence showing remaining tissue and proceeded with unnecessary procedures. This negligence, they stated, resulted in permanent disfigurement, pelvic floor disorder, fibromyalgia, PTSD, and lifelong chronic pain. The surgeon, who now works in California, has since left Mayo Clinic.

Mayo Clinic expressed disappointment with the verdict and stated they are evaluating their next steps. This ruling comes despite Mayo Clinic's recent accolades from U.S. News and World Report as one of the nation's best hospitals.