TRANSMITTAL LETTER FOR BOARD MEETING OF MARCH 19, 2015
COMMITTEE ON JUDICIARY
Mr. David St. Pierre, Executive Director
Title
Authority to settle the Workers' Compensation Claim of James Sheehy vs. MWRDGC, Case 14 WC 018593, Illinois Workers' Compensation Commission (IWCC), in the sum of $66,964.00, Account 901-30000-601090
Body
Dear Sir:
James Sheehy is an Operating Engineer I at the O'Brien Water Reclamation Plant. On June 22, 2011, he sustained an injury to his lower back. He was initially seen at the industrial clinic on June 23, 2011. The preliminary diagnosis was low back strain. An MRI performed on June 25, 2011 showed evidence of desiccation, loss of disc height, moderate foraminal narrowing at the L4-5 disc level and evidence of disc herniation. His treatment consisted of physical therapy and injections in the lower back area. The employee returned to his regular position on November 26, 2012.
The employee continued to experience pain in his lower back and returned to the doctor at which time he was scheduled for surgery. On March 12, 2013, he underwent at L4-5 microdiscectomy and was once again on Duty Disability. Following this surgery, Mr. Sheehy underwent a period of post physical therapy. He was able to resume his regular job on October 21, 2013.
Mr. Sheehy was paid a total of $119,701.27, which represents 106.2 weeks of lost time benefits.
Mr. Sheehy's attorney filed an Application of Adjustment of Claim with the Illinois Workers' Compensation Commission (IWCC). Subject to the approval of the IWCC, this case can now be settled for $66,964.00, representing 20% loss of use of person as a whole. This settlement will close out future lost time benefits, as well as any future medical benefits, associated with this injury.
The Director of Human Resources believes this settlement is in the best interest of the District and requests payment of that sum be approved and she be authorized to execute such documents as may be necessary to effect the settlement.
Requested, Denice E. Korcal, Director of Human Resources, DEK:RAJ:RG:aw
Respectfully Submitted, Mariyana T. Spyropoulos, Chairman Committee on Judiciary
Disposition of this agenda item will be documented in the official Regular Board Meeting Minutes of the Board of Commissioners for March 19, 2015