A Cook County jury returned a 16 million dollar verdict Wednesday, October 15th, against a south suburban obstetrician, Peggy Fletcher, M.D. and her medical group, Primary Healthcare Associates, in a medical malpractice trial before Judge Richard J. Elrod. The award goes to a five year old Orland Park girl who suffered brain injuries when her mother’s uterus ruptured during labor at Ingalls Memorial Hospital in March of 1998. She was represented at trial by Nicholas J. Motherway. She has cerebral palsy, which has caused uncontrolled movement of her extremities and interferes with speech, although she has normal intelligence. The jury also awarded $225,000 to the girl’s parents, under the Family Expense Act. Court records show the verdict to be the largest ever in Cook County for this type of case.

Nick Motherway said the insurance coverage for the defendant doctor and her group exceeds the verdicts, and the damages awarded will allow the girl to lead a dignified life without financial burden.

Foley v. Fletcher, et al., 99 L 13945.