$16 Million Wheeler Settlement Affirmed by Illinois Appellate Court

The Illinois Appellate Court affirmed a Cook County judge’s authority to approve a $16 million settlement in the death of Rashidi Wheeler, a Northwestern University football player. Wheeler’s mother, Linda Will Wheeler, objected to the settlement and argued that Cook County Circuit Judge Kathy M. Flanagan did not have the authority to approve it. Thomas A. Demetrio, attorney for George Wheeler, Jr., Rashidi’s father, said the settlement was "extraordinary" and the Appellate Court’s ruling affirms the responsibility of trial court judges to protect all parties’ interest. "Every trial judge in the state should read this and be confident the inherent authority they have to exercise their discretion is alive and well," said Demetrio