$111 million verdict in Minnesota: Thapa v. St. Cloud Orthopedic Associates

In May 2022, shock waves were sent through healthcare and personal injury circles across the country with this massive verdict. The plaintiff, Anuj Thapa, was a 17-year-old student, recently arrived in the country from Nepal, who was injured while playing indoor soccer. He went to St. Cloud Hospital with a broken leg and underwent surgery that night. The next day, he was discharged from the hospital despite complaining of pain, numbness, burning, and muscle problems. Six days later, he returned to the hospital and was operated on by a different doctor, who diagnosed acute compartment syndrome. This is a serious and emergent medical condition that causes pressure in a group of muscles, nerves, and blood vessels. When that happens, those muscles and nerves can die, and this can lead to complications such as amputation, infection, renal failure, and death. Due to the failure to recognize and treat his compartment syndrome in a timely manner, Mr. Thapa needed over a dozen surgeries, and has permanent and disabling injuries.

Of the jury’s $111 million verdict, $1 million was for past and future medical expenses, $10 million was for past pain and suffering, and $100 million was awarded for future pain and suffering. There was no claim for lost wages or lost earning capacity.