BLOOMINGTON - The executor of a deceased woman's estate and her son were awarded $704,000 by a McLean jury in a civil lawsuit against BroMenn Healthcare and BroMenn Physicians Management Corp.

Debbie Blake died in 2001 as a result of lung cancer. The 42-year-old received treatment from doctors at Crossroads Medical Associates in El Paso. The clinic is owned by BroMenn Healthcare.

Bloomington attorney James Ginzkey filed a lawsuit in 2003 on behalf of Steve McWhorter, Blake's longtime companion, and her son, Jason Blake. The health care company was accused of negligence in failing to diagnose Blake's condition until 2001, several years after her initial complaints to doctors.

The jury's award to McWhorter includes $504,000 for medical expenses, emotional distress, pain and suffering and lost wages. Jason Blake was awarded $200,000 for loss of society under a wrongful-death claim.

During the course of the five-year legal dispute, Ginzkey and attorneys for the health care company argued over which BroMenn entity was responsible for alleged negligence. A judge ruled that BroMenn Healthcare and the physicians' group were both liable for the claim.

The jury deliberated 1½ days before returning its verdicts last week.

Ginzkey said Monday he was pleased with the results of the two-week trial.

"We are grateful we had a diligent jury. We feel that justice was served," said the plaintiff's attorney.

BroMenn spokesman Eric Alvin said: "We are disappointed with the outcome of the case. We stand behind the quality of care BroMenn provides."