Margaret P. Battersby Black

Bar / Professional Activity

• Illinois Trial Lawyers Association, Board of Managers since 2016 
• Illinois Trial Lawyers Association Third Vice President
• Illinois Trial Lawyers Association Treasurer 2024-2025, 2025
• John Marshall Law School- Moot Court Judge
• American Association for Justice
• Illinois State Bar Association
• Chicago-Kent College of Law- Externship Host
• Chicago Bar Association
• National Association of Elder Law Attorneys
• American Constitution Society: Member and Former Law Firm Outreach Coordinator, Board of Directors-Director of Firm Outreach 
• Chicago-Kent College of Law- Moot Court Judge
• Chicago-Kent Law School Young Alumni Council since 2014, Senior Partner Council since 2016, 2014
• Women's Bar Association of Illinois , Co-Chair of the Judicial Reception 2017

Verdicts / Settlements (Case Results)

• $1.3M Settlement for the family of a 78-year-old man who choked & died post-coronary bypass after a hospital staff member served him food that was not in his meal plan. , 2025
• $2M Nursing Home Settlement on behalf of a 60-year-old woman who sued a Chicago area hospital for nursing care, 2025
• $3M Settlement on behalf of a prostate cancer patient who suffered severe treatment-related complications that progressed to respiratory and multi-organ failure, resulting in his death. , 2025
• $3.75M Settlement for the family of a 64-year-old man who vomited during a chest imaging procedure, aspirated, and suffered cardiac arrest, leading to his death at a Chicago-area hospital. , 2025
• $6M CILA wrongful death settlement, 2025
• $4M Medical Malpractice Settlement on behalf of a 50-year-old man who died from hemoperitoneum after his surgeon failed to recognize post-surgical complications, 2025
• $7M Birth Injury Settlement in a case involving a premature delivery, where delayed execution of an emergency C-section and multiple vacuum-assisted delivery attempts were alleged to have contributed to the infant’s death shortly after birth., 2025
• $18 M Birth Injury settlement on behalf of a young girl who suffered hypoxic ischemic encephalopathy (HIE) and was later diagnosed with cerebral palsy., 2024
• $27M Recovery: After Levin & Perconti obtained a $20 Million dollar verdict on behalf of a child who suffered preventable HIE and asphyxia injuries at birth, resulting in permanent cognitive and developmental impairments, Margaret and the firm continued to advocate for the family and ultimately achieved a $27 Million total recovery., 2025
• $29 Million settlement for a birth injury caused by medical negligence, 2023
• $20 Million verdict on behalf of a child who suffered preventable HIE and asphyxia injuries at birth, resulting in permanent cognitive and developmental impairments., 2022
• $2 Million settlement representing the family of a resident at a home for individuals with developmental and intellectual disabilities. The resident choked on his dinner, resulting in his untimely death., 2024
• $2.9 Million medical malpractice settlement involving the failure to timely diagnose a patient with compartment syndrome, which led to significant muscle death, resulting in an amputation., 2024
• $2 Million medical malpractice settlement in which an Illinois Hospital’s untimely diagnosis of a bacterial infection led to a patient becoming septic., 2024
• $1.669 Million Settlement after complications arose for a patient during surgery at a Chicago-area hospital. The patient endured a lengthy stay, pneumonia, and required further surgery. , 2024
• $920,000 settlement representing the family of a patient who suffered a stroke linked to hypertension, 2024
• $850,000 settlement for a client whos husband was severely neglected upon his admission to a downstate nursing home, causing an acute kidney injury due to dehydration, a stage II infected sacral wound, a urinary tract infection, and sepsis, contributing to his death., 2024
• $750,000 nursing home pressure sore settlement, 2014
• $550,000 settlement after a resident was left with a left hip fracture due to suffering a fall at the hands of a negligent nursing home., 2024
• $650,000 settlement against a Specialized Mental Health Rehab Facility after a resident committed suicide via the exposed pipes in his room., 2024
• $3.3 million medical malpractice settlement for the family of a deceased 52-year-old Danville woman who died from a brain injury after falling at an Urbana hospital.
• $450,000 nursing home dehydration lawsuit settlement, 2014
• $400,000 medical malpractice settlement on behalf of a 67-year-old client who fractured his hip and femur in a fall during an improper transfer by rehabilitation staff at a Cook County hospital.
• $3.6 million medical malpractice settlement for the death of a 26 year old., 2017
• $400,000 nursing home negligence settlement for the family of a 50 year old man who died because the nursing home failed to monitor the resident's blood sugar levels, leading him to suffer a diabetic coma.
• $2,500,000 Settlement in a birth injury case for a 2 year old., 2017
• $584,300 verdict against an Arlington Heights hospital for the family of an 88-year-old woman who died as a result of complications linked to a hospital fall. The victim fell off a table in the radiology department of the hospital and suffered a serious brain injury that led to a deterioration in her condition., 2012
• $1.035 million settlement in a nursing home medication error lawsuit, 2013
• $575,000 settlement for the family of a 77-year-old nursing home resident who suffered numerous infected bed sores that contributed to her death., 2012
• $17.7 million medical malpractice settlement for a former police officer, now 47, who suffered a life-altering brain injury due to medical negligence at a Chicago hospital.
• $923,000 defamation lawsuit settlement, 2014
• $450,000 nursing home settlement against an uninsured nursing home for the family of a client who suffered serious injuries as a result of a fall at a confidential Illinois facility.
• $7.5 million Illinois Record Jones Act Settlement for a 37-year-old man who sustained serious neck and spinal cord injuries in an Illinois boat explosion.
• $500,000 nursing home pressure sore settlement
• $1,250,000.00 medical malpractice settlement for a child who obtained a chemical burn on the arm at a Chicago area hospital., 2017
• $750,000 nursing home neglect settlement against ManorCare South Holland for the daughter of an 82-year-old nursing home resident who developed a deep pressure wound that took over two years to heal. She also became malnourished and immobile during her brief stay at the nursing home, 2011
• $800,000 nursing home negligence settlement, 2013
• $625,000 medical malpractice settlement , 2013
• $4,111,477.66 verdict on behalf of  85-year-old client under the Nursing Home Care Act, 2017
• $6 million medical malpractice settlement , 2014
• $500,000 nursing home settlement for the family of an 89-year-old nursing home resident who suffered two hip fractures in a fall at a Cook County nursing home, requiring two surgeries.
• $317,500 assisted living negligence settlement
• $400,000 nursing home settlement in a case involving a medication error at a nursing home.
• $875,000 settlement for the family of a man who choked to death at the Center for Hispanic Elderly on the Northwest side of Chicago., 2017
• $1 million ManorCare nursing home settlement for the family of an 80-year-old nursing home resident who developed multiple stage IV pressure sores that contributed to the cause of her death., 2011
• $825,000 nursing home pressure sore settlement, 2013
• $700,000 settlement in a nursing home fall/brain injury lawsuit, 2013

Videos

• Levin & Perconti is one of the nation’s leading plaintiff’s personal injury law firms, founded in 1992 by civil trial lawyers Steven Levin and John Perconti. Based in Chicago and serving clients nationwide, the firm has grown from a close-knit legal team into a powerhouse of over 30 award-winning attorneys. With a combined legal experience of over 400 years among its founders, the firm is built on a family atmosphere that prioritizes mentorship and a shared passion for justice. The firm is dedicated to standing up for individuals against large corporations and insurance companies, having recovered over $1 billion for their clients. Their work spans several complex practice areas, including nursing home abuse, group home (CILA) abuse, birth injury, medical malpractice, and other serious injuries from auto accidents. The integrity of Levin & Perconti is defined by their commitment to giving a voice to those who might otherwise be silenced by wealthy entities. Their approach is characterized by honest communication, compassion, professionalism, results-driven ethics, and financial accessibility. If you've been injured, you deserve a compassionate and experienced lawyer on your side. Work with Levin & Perconti - we are available 24/7 for a free consultation. Pay nothing until we win your case. Contact us at 312-332-2872 today. ---------------------------- Levin & Perconti Phone: 877-374-1417 Website: https://www.levinperconti.com/contact/ Get a free consultation today: https://www.levinperconti.com/contact/ Learn more about our team: https://www.levinperconti.com/attorneys/ See what our clients are saying: https://www.levinperconti.com/testimo..., Levin & Perconti: Our Story, 2026

Pro bono / Community Service

• Participant in Home Team charity race, raising money for the Chicago Bulls’ charities
• Matched donations to Levin & Perconti Nourishing Hope food drive, 2025
• Glass Slipper Project volunteer  
• Raised donations for Illinois Citizens for Better Care (a nursing home advocacy group in Chicago) by completing the 13.1-mile Chicago Half Marathon  
• Chicago Marathon finisher, raising money for Children’s Memorial Hospital in Chicago

Educational Background

• B.B.A., University of Michigan-Ann Arbor, 2002, Graduated with Honors  
• J.D., Chicago-Kent College of Law, 2008, Graduated with Honors, American Constitution Society, Chicago Kent Moot Court Honors Society

Scholarly Lectures / Writings

• Providing insights on catastrophic medical malpractice cases and how to tackle certain challenges that surface along the way., Speaker, Strategies for Success in Tort Litigation, CBA Young Lawyers Section Tort Law Litigation Committee, 2025
• Managing Partner Margaret Battersby Black opened the day in her role as ITLA Secretary., Speaker, ITLA’s Justice Achieved: Successful Outcomes Seminar, ITLA, Legal, 2025
• Margaret Battersby Black was selected by the American Association for Justice (AAJ) to author “A Strong Closing Argument” for the January 2026 issue of Trial® Magazine, AAJ’s national publication read by trial lawyers across the country. Being chosen to write for Trial® is a significant professional honor and reflects Margaret’s reputation as a respected trial attorney and thought leader in advocacy., Author, A Strong Closing Argument, TRIAL Magazine, Legal, 2026
• “There is little accountability in Illinois for nursing homes, especially privately owned ones that find new ways to circumvent state regulations.” Our Managing Partner, Margaret Battersby Black, wrote a powerful letter to the editor for the Chicago Tribune about the dire state of Illinois nursing homes and why justice for families is slipping away., Author, Letter to the editor, Chicago Tribune, Law, Healthcare, 2025
• Managing Partner Margaret Battersby Black joined Kelly Bagby, Vice President of the AARP Foundation, for a presentation on “Understaffing Litigation in Nursing Facilities and Assisted Living Facilities.” Understaffing in long-term care settings creates chronic and dangerous conditions that can lead to serious harm for residents. The session explored how to identify the systemic causes of understaffing, how to gather evidence of resident harm, and how litigation can be used to drive meaningful reforms when facilities fail to provide adequate care. The AARP Foundation continues to lead critical class action litigation aimed at addressing these systemic issues and improving standards across the industry., Speaker, Understaffing Litigation in Nursing Facilities and Assisted Living Facilities, Consumer Voice for Quality Long-term care, 2025
• Illinois Trial Lawyers Association (ITLA)  May 5, 2017, presenting “Ex Parte Communication with Current and Former Employees of Defendant”, Speaker, 2017
• Illinois Department on Aging 2011 Elder Rights Conference, The Role of the Private Attorney in Enforcing Elder Rights through Litigation. July 7, 2011. Chicago, IL. , 2011
• ITLA Liens and Settlement Seminar, Special Issues in Catastrophic Cases. February 20, 2012. Chicago, IL., 2012
• Chicago Bar Association, 40 Under 40 Panel Discussion. April 2, 2012. Chicago, IL, 2012
• Chicago-Kent Law School, Admitted Students Program, May 21, 2012. Chicago, IL., 2012
• Illinois Disability Rights Consortium, Nursing Home Litigation, March 27, 2013. Chicago, IL., 2013
• AALNC Forum, An Overview of Brain Injury Lawsuits with Case Examination: Nissen v. Parcellano et al. April 5, 2013. Chicago, IL., 2013
• "How Changes to the Illinois Nursing Home Care Act Will Affect Long-Term Care Abuse and Neglect Cases," Chicago Daily Law Bulletin - Law Day Edition, April 2013, co-author., www.levinperconti.com/docs/steve_levin_nursing_home_neglect_law_day_article.pdf, 2013
• Illinois Institute for Continuing Legal Education. "Depositions – How to Take a Good Deposition," Chicago, IL. February 6, 2015., 2015
• Illinois Institute for Continuing Legal Education. "Expert Witnesses – When and How to Depose Them," Chicago, IL. February 6, 2015., 2015
• ITLA Update and Review Seminar "Nursing Home Litigation", 2016
• Hosted the National Academy of Elder Law Attorneys webinar on “The Intersection Between Personal Injury and Elder Law.”, 2017
• ITLA Medical Malpractice Seminar, "Affirmative Defenses of Contributory Negligence and Mitigation of Damages", 2015
• IICLE Elder Law Short Course, " Nursing Home Abuse and Neglect", 2015
• Illinois Trial Lawyers Association, "Illinois Supreme Court Rule 213," Trial Seminar, Oak Brook, IL., 2015
• Illinois Institute for Continuing Legal Education, “Depositions - How to Take a Good Deposition and Expert Witnesses - When and How to Depose Them," Nursing Home & Assisted Living Facility Litigation Seminar, Chicago, IL., 2015
• Illinois Trial Lawyers Association, “Nursing Home Litigation," Update and Review Seminar, October 13, 2014, Chicago, IL., 2014
• Chicago Bar Association's Elder Law Committee, Using Litigation to Protect Elderly Clients in Nursing Homes, May 21, 2013. Chicago, IL., 2013
• "How Changes to the Illinois Nursing Home Care Act Will Affect Long-Term Care Abuse and Neglect Cases," Chicago Daily Law Bulletin - Law Day Edition, April 2013., 2013
• AALNC Forum, An Overview of Brain Injury Lawsuits with Case Examination: Nissen v. Parcellano et al. April 5, 2013. Chicago, IL., 2013
• Presented at the 13th Annual IICLE Elder Law Short Course on the topic of The Late Life Litigant: The Potential Value of Medical Malpractice and Personal Injury Claims for Elderly Plaintiffs, Speaker, 2017
• Presented at the Illinois Trial Lawyers Association's Medical Malpractice Seminar on the topic of Opening Statements, Speaker, 2017
• Presented at the Damages Seminar for ITLA’s Professionals and Businesses for Justice Program. She spoke on the subject: “Effective Direct Examination of Witnesses.”, Speaker, 2018
• Speaker at John Marshall Law School’s Career Panel and Resume Workshop, advising students on summer clerkships  
• Chicago Bar Association’s Tort Committee, Speaker, "So You're Trying Your First Nursing Home Case?: Some Things You Should Know", 2017

Other Outstanding Achievements

• Best Oralist award in the preliminary rounds of the Midwest Moot Court competition- October 2007
• Emerging Lawyer by Leading Lawyers, 2015-2017, 2015
• CALI Award winner, Law School, Litigation Technology  
• Quarterfinalist in the American Constitution Society’s Moot Court Competition- March 2007

Firm News (Newsletters)

• News & Newsletter

Honors

• 40 Illinois Attorneys Under Forty to Watch, Law Bulletin Publishing Company, 2011
• Super Lawyers: Top 100 List, Super Lawyers, 2026
• Super Lawyers: Top 50 Woman list, Super Lawyers, 2026
• Super Lawyers: Top 10 List, Super Lawyers, 2026
• Notable Litigators & Trial Attorneys, 2025, Notable Litigators & Trial Attorneys, https://www.chicagobusiness.com/awards/notable-litigators-trial-attorneys-2025-chicago-area, 2025
• Leading Lawyers: Leading Lawyer 2016-present, Leading Lawyers: Leading Lawyer, https://www.leadinglawyers.com/atty_profile.cfm?TOCUID=1543874, 2025
• Crain Communications, Inc.: Crain’s 2020 Notable Women in Law, 2020, Crain Communications, Inc.: Crain’s 2020 Notable Women in Law, 2020, https://www.chicagobusiness.com/awards/crains-2020-notable-women-law, 2020
• Crain Communications, Inc.: Crain’s 2022 Notable Women in Law, 2022, Crain Communications, Inc.: Crain’s 2022 Notable Women in Law, https://www.chicagobusiness.com/awards/crains-2022-notable-women-law, 2022
• Crain Communications, Inc.: Crain’s 2021 Notable Gen X Leaders in Accounting, Consulting & Law, 2021, Crain Communications, Inc.: Crain’s 2021 Notable Gen X Leaders in Accounting, Consulting & Law, https://www.chicagobusiness.com/awards/crains-2021-notable-gen-x-leaders-accounting-consulting-and-law, 2021
• Carole K. Bellows Women of Influence, 2023, Carole K. Bellows Women of Influence, https://www.levinperconti.com/attorneys/margaret-p-battersby-black/, 2023
• Chicago Lawyer Magazine: Women Leaders: Top Lawyers in Illinois, June/July 2024 issue, Women Leaders: Top Lawyers in Illinois, https://www.levinperconti.com/attorneys/margaret-p-battersby-black/, 2024
• Emerging Lawyer by Leading Lawyers 2015-2017
• Trial Lawyer Excellence award  , Jury Verdict Reporter Awards Ceremony
• Top 10 Illinois Women Emerging Lawyer, 2017
• Outstanding Young Alumnae of the Year, 2015, Chicago Kent College of Law, 2015
• Illinois Super Lawyers: Rising Stars 2012-2018

Industry Groups

• American Association For Justice
• Chicago Bar Association
• Illinois State Bar Association
• Illinois Trial Lawyers Association
• The American Constitutional Society’s Chicago Chapter
• Women's Bar Association Of Illinois

“One of the best lawyers I know. Always on her game!”

“Margaret Battersby is an up and coming young lawyer who I have had the privilege of mentoring. She has become an exceptional attorney who presents as a formidable opponent to even the most experienced defense attorneys. Her work ethic and attention to detail is unparalleled. With those qualities she will only continue to grow and get better.”