Johnson v. Lynch

This is an appeal from an order entered by the circuit court of Cook County adjudicating the Department of Public Aid’s claim against plaintiff for medical expenses paid him prior to the settlement of his personal injury suit. Over objection, the court ordered the Department’s charge of $2,375.18 reduced to zero. The appellate court affirmed the reduction finding no abuse of discretion. (38 Ill. App. 3d 48.) We granted the Department leave to appeal.

Plaintiff was injured when the motorcycle he was driving collided with an auto driven by the defendant, Charles Lynch. On September 10, 1974,…