CHICAGO, Oct. 6 (UPI) -- A Chicago woman, who suffered severe brain damage after a botched procedure at a county-run hospital, is set to get a $35 million medical malpractice award.
The Cook County board Wednesday approved the payout to Neveen Morkos, a Christian who immigrated to the United States to avoid religious discrimination in Egypt, the Chicago Tribune reported.
The 30-year-old mother of two underwent the treatment at Oak Forest Hospital in 2004, the report said.
"I apologize on behalf of the county to the family," Commissioner Mike Quigley said. The county insurance will pay $15 million of the $35 million, the report said.
The county already is facing a $300 million deficit in the budget for next year.
Board President John Stroger told the Tribune he would not rule out an increase in property or other taxes, such as those on hotel stays.
