Posted on Tuesday, November 25th, 2025 at 5:27 pm
At McCutchen Napurano - The Law Firm, we believe that when a family loses a loved one due to medical negligence, they deserve more than just answers—they deserve accountability.
Recently, our firm had the profound honor of representing the estate and family of Stephanie Stipins, a cherished leader in the Fort Smith community. Following a trial where the jury heard extensive evidence regarding the complications she suffered after a laparoscopic hysterectomy, a $15 million verdict was returned against Mercy Fort Smith and a medical provider involved in her care.
A Legacy of Service and a Life Cut Short
Stephanie Stipins was a “bridge-builder” in every sense of the word. From her leadership at the Greater Fort Smith Association of Home Builders to her tireless work helping local families rebuild after the 2019 floods, Stephanie’s heart was a driving force in the Fort Smith community.
Her life and the profound impact she left on those around her were recently featured in the Southwest Times Record, which recalled her legacy of lifting up others through leadership and community action.
When she passed away in 2022 due to medical complications, it left a void that can never be filled. Her family turned to us to investigate the care she received and to ensure that those responsible were held to the highest standards of medical safety through a wrongful death claim.
The Legal Path to Accountability
In a wrongful death case, the legal team must demonstrate that negligence was the direct cause of the loss of life. During the proceedings, our team focused on the critical failures to reassess the patient, order additional testing, and respond to worsening symptoms. The evidence presented focused on:
Breach of the Standard of Care: Proving that the healthcare providers involved failed to meet the safety requirements necessary for Stephanie’s treatment.
Causation: Establishing that these medical failures directly led to the complications that resulted in Stephanie’s death.
The Impact of Loss: Demonstrating the profound damages suffered by her estate and her surviving family members.
Why This Verdict Matters
While no amount of money can replace a life as vibrant and selfless as Stephanie’s, this $15 million verdict serves a vital purpose. It reinforces the responsibility that healthcare institutions have to their patients and underscores the role of the civil justice system in promoting safety and preventing future tragedies.
At McCutchen Napurano - The Law Firm, we are proud to have stood by the Stipins family. This result is a measure of justice for a woman who spent her entire life lifting others up.
Protecting Your Family After a Tragic Loss
If you have lost a loved one due to medical negligence or wrongful death, you shouldn’t have to search for answers alone. Our firm is dedicated to holding powerful institutions accountable and ensuring that patient safety is never treated as an afterthought.
Let us fight for the justice your family deserves.
Schedule a free consultation or call us directly at (479) 783-0036. We are here to listen, to investigate, and to advocate for you.
