McCutchen Napurano Obtains $15 Million Jury Verdict in Stipins Wrongful Death Matter
Fort Smith, United States - March 13, 2026 / McCutchen Napurano - The Law Firm /
FORT SMITH, AR – McCutchen Napurano – The Law Firm obtained a $15 million jury verdict on behalf of the estate of Stephanie Stipins following a medical malpractice trial in Fort Smith. The lawsuit alleged that healthcare providers failed to diagnose and treat a bowel perforation following a surgical procedure, resulting in the death of Mrs. Stipins on July 5, 2022.
The matter proceeded to a ten-day jury trial where the legal team for the Stipins family presented evidence regarding the medical care provided to Stephanie Stipins. Testimony during the trial focused on clinical decision-making and the conduct of the medical providers involved. The evidence highlighted failures to reassess the patient, manage pain appropriately, and respond to changes in Mrs. Stipins’ condition following her return to the hospital.
The jury’s verdict focused in large part on the actions of the on-call physician who failed to examine the patient in person despite documented reports of continued pain. While the defense argued that the presentation was atypical, the legal team for the estate demonstrated negligence using expert testimony from an obstetrician-gynecologist, hospitalist, radiologist, cardiologist, and general surgeon.
Before the trial, the defendants extended initial settlement offers, which were declined by the estate. Following approximately four hours of deliberation, the jury returned a $15 million verdict, which matched the amount requested by the plaintiff’s counsel during closing arguments.
Stephanie Stipins was a prominent member of the Fort Smith community, serving as the executive director of the Greater Fort Smith Association of Home Builders and assisting with local flood recovery efforts.
Additional details and insights regarding this outcome are available on the firm’s blog.
About McCutchen Napurano – The Law Firm
McCutchen Napurano – The Law Firm is a personal injury practice based in Fort Smith, Arkansas, representing clients across Arkansas and Oklahoma in auto accidents, medical malpractice, wrongful death, brain injury, and defective product cases. Founded by Joey McCutchen, the firm has obtained some of the largest verdicts and judgments in Sebastian and Crawford County history, reflecting its ability to deliver results in high-stakes litigation. McCutchen is licensed in both Arkansas and Oklahoma, serves on the Arkansas Trial Lawyers Association’s Board of Governors, and has contributed to national trial-strategy publications such as Reptile in the Mist. The firm works on a contingency-fee basis and offers free consultations.
Contact Information:
McCutchen Napurano - The Law Firm
1622 N B St
Fort Smith, AR 72901
United States
Steven Napurano
(479) 783-0036
https://mccutchenlawfirm.com
