Professional Negligence Law Reporter

Devin Krone, 33, went to a hospital ER, complaining of scrotal pain and swelling. An ultrasound and CT scan of the abdomen and pelvis showed diffuse thickening of the scrotal skin. Krone was administered pain medications, and an ER physician discharged him after consulting with a urologist. The diagnosis was scrotal swelling of unknown etiology.

That day, Krone went to another hospital, where he was diagnosed as having Fournier’s gangrene. He underwent a scrotal debridement and required extensive and complex reconstructive surgery.

Krone sued two treating ER physicians from the first facility and their employer, alleging failure to timely diagnose an infection, administer IV antibiotics, and admit him. Suit did not claim lost income.

The jury awarded more than $962,300. The parties later settled confidentially.

Citation: Krone v. CentraCare Clinic, No. 86-CV-2021-004175 (Minn. Dist. Ct. Wright Cnty. 2024).

Plaintiff counsel: AAJ members Rachel L. Barrett and Colin F. Peterson, both of Minneapolis.

Defense experts: Karl Kreder Jr., urology, Iowa City, Iowa; and Peter Panagos, emergency medicine, St. Louis.