Judge Rules City of Rockford Not Liable in $30M Mercyhealth Flood Lawsuit

A judge has ruled in favor of the City of Rockford, dismissing lawsuits filed by Mercyhealth's Javon Bea Hospital and its insurer seeking $29.5 million in damages from a 2018 flood at the hospital's Rockton Avenue campus. The lawsuits alleged that the city was negligent by installing an undersized stormwater system in 1962, which Mercyhealth claimed caused the flooding and subsequent damage. Judge Lisa Fabiano found that Mercyhealth failed to provide evidence that the flooding would not have occurred without the city's actions and dismissed the claims, including those asserting unconstitutional 'taking' of property. Mayor Tom McNamara expressed satisfaction with the ruling, emphasizing the city's responsible management and confidence in its Public Works team. Mercyhealth had temporarily suspended services at the Rockton Avenue hospital, citing flooding concerns, a justification contested by city officials and local lawmakers who argue the hospital's closure plans predated the flood. The ruling effectively ends the legal battle without any financial liability for the city.