$2.05 Million Medical Malpractice Verdict Changes Minnesota Law
In a case that underscores the importance of patient rights and medical accountability, a jury in Duluth awarded a $2.05 million verdict in a medical malpractice lawsuit. The case was tried by Mike Lammers and his team at Heimerl & Lammers, in collaboration with Ashwin Madia and the team at Madia Law. This landmark verdict represents a major step forward for patients’ rights in Minnesota.
The case centered on Joel Meyer, who suffered severe complications when a surgical team at Essentia – St. Mary’s left a laparotomy sponge inside him during a procedure in July 2021. The mistake led to infection, worsened his cancer treatment, and caused profound loss of companionship for his wife, Heather. Despite the hospital’s refusal to accept responsibility, Joel and Heather sought justice through legal action. At that time, Minnesota was the only state without a survivorship law—meaning if a person with a valid injury claim passed away before trial, their case died with them. Given Joel’s stage 4 cancer diagnosis, many attorneys were hesitant to take the case.
That changed when Joel and Heather met Mike Lammers. Recognizing the injustice, Mike and his team committed not only to the case but to changing the law itself. Heather bravely testified before legislative committees in both the Minnesota House and Senate, advocating for change . Their efforts led to the passage of the Minnesota Survivorship Law (573.01 – Survival of Causes) in July 2023. The new law ensures that terminally ill patients and their families can continue to seek justice even after death.
Justice Served for the Meyer Family
With this legislative victory behind them, the legal team pressed forward despite continued denials and delays from the defense, which even attempted to blame Joel for his own symptoms. Throughout his battle with cancer, Joel’s courage never wavered, inspiring both legal teams and contributing to lasting change in Minnesota law.
In November, the hospital offered a settlement of $175,000—an amount that failed to reflect the seriousness of the negligence and its lasting impact on Joel and Heather’s lives. Undeterred, the team pushed forward to trial. On July 3, 2024, nearly three years after the hospital’s error, justice was finally served. The jury returned a $2.05 million verdict for the Meyers—more than ten times the hospital’s only settlement offer.
“We’re proud of the result here,” said Mike Lammers. “Joel and Heather and their family refused to go away without a fight, Ashwin and the team put on a superb case, and the jury finally delivered justice.”
A Landmark for Patient Rights and Accountability
This verdict not only provides fair compensation for the Meyers but also sends a clear message about the importance of medical accountability and patient rights. It stands as a testament to perseverance and the power of legislative change—ensuring that every patient in Minnesota has access to justice, regardless of their prognosis.
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Medical Malpractice Case Results in $2.05 Million Verdict & Changes Minnesota Law
Published July 10, 2024 —
View original release on EIN Presswire
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