BREAKING: A jury has awarded $16.5 million in damages to the family of Scott Olson, who died in 2019 following alleged negligence at St. Luke’s Hospital in Duluth, Minnesota. The unanimous verdict, delivered on December 18, 2024, marks one of the largest medical malpractice awards in Minnesota’s history, providing long-awaited justice to Olson’s widow, Audra Olson, and their children.
Olson, aged 49, was initially admitted to St. Luke’s for pneumonia from July 20-22, 2019. His condition worsened, prompting a second admission from July 28 to August 2, 2019, where he was prescribed antifungal medication. Tragically, Olson died at the M Health Fairview University of Minnesota Medical Center on October 4, 2019, with a death certificate citing multisystem organ failure as the primary cause, alongside complications from a rare fungal infection known as blastomycosis.
The lawsuit, filed in State District Court on August 29, 2022, accused St. Luke’s of failing to diagnose and treat Olson’s blastomycosis in a timely manner, leading to his untimely death. Audra Olson, as trustee for their family, argued that the hospital’s negligence was a direct cause of her husband’s death.
In its defense, St. Luke’s denied any wrongdoing, asserting that Olson’s death was not due to their care. However, a prior court ruling on December 28, 2023, favored St. Luke’s, citing a lack of evidence linking their care to Olson’s death. This decision was overturned in an appeal, culminating in the recent jury trial.
After just six hours of deliberation, the jury found that St. Luke’s, through its physicians—Dr. Luke Midlo, Dr. Rachel Gordon, and Dr. Wayne Elmer—was negligent in its treatment of Olson. The court awarded damages for past medical expenses, pain and suffering, and loss of companionship, totaling $16.5 million.
Attorney Mathew Korte from Ciresi Conlin LLP expressed gratitude for the jury’s decision, emphasizing the importance of accountability in healthcare. “Scott Olson’s family has shown remarkable resolve in seeking justice for this tragic loss,” Korte stated in a prepared statement.
In a significant turn of events, St. Luke’s has not publicly commented on the verdict but confirmed that Dr. Elmer and Dr. Gordon are no longer employed by the healthcare system.
Scott Olson is remembered as a dedicated community member, known for his passion for running and advocacy for individuals with disabilities. He served on the LaPrairie City Council and was actively involved in local sports. His family continues to honor his legacy through the Scott Olson Memorial Fund, which supports scholarships in his name.
The case has sparked discussions on medical negligence and the need for accountability in healthcare systems. As the Olson family reflects on their loss, they hope this ruling will lead to improvements in patient care standards.
As this story develops, many are watching closely for any responses from St. Luke’s and updates on how this case may influence future medical malpractice claims in Minnesota.
