Jury Awards $84M in Malpractice Case

A Hennepin County jury rendered an $84 million malpractice verdict against Fairview Health Services on September 29, 2026. This substantial award was granted to the family of a 53-year-old man who died from heart attack complications. The family contended that a clinician at the hospital provided an inadequate medical evaluation.

The man, Reece Devlin, had sought medical attention for chest pain at an M Health Fairview clinic in October 2022. Despite claims by the clinician that prior medical records were reviewed, court records presented by Devlin's family suggested otherwise.

Further, during a virtual follow-up in January 2023, the family's attorney argued that computer records contradicted the clinician's assertion of discussing chest pain with Devlin. This lack of adequate medical assessment, the family argued, fell short of the required standard of care.

Devlin passed away on January 29, 2026, less than a week after his virtual consultation, due to heart attack complications. The jury's decision, which is one of the largest malpractice awards in the state's history, includes compensation for his potential future earnings.

Fairview Health Services maintained that the examination was thorough and expressed sympathy for the family, though they respectfully disagree with the verdict and believe the care provided was evidence-based. The verdict is subject to potential remittitur by a judge or appeal by Fairview.