TRANSMITTAL LETTER FOR BOARD MEETING OF MAY 18, 2017
COMMITTEE ON JUDICIARY
Mr. David St. Pierre, Executive Director
Title
Authority to settle the Workers’ Compensation Claims of Vanessa Woppel vs. MWRDGC, Cases 11 WC 23642 and 12 WC 8339 Illinois Workers’ Compensation Commission, in the sum of $300,000.00, Account 901-30000-601090
Body
Dear Sir:
Vanessa Woppel is a Pollution Control Technician I at the Stickney Water Reclamation Plant. On January 26, 2011, she sustained injuries to her lower back when she slipped on snow and ice while entering the sampling station. She was initially seen at the industrial clinic on January 26, 2011, where she was diagnosed with lower back pain. She was disabled from work effective January 27, 2011 and initially returned to work on June 6, 2011. She was disabled again effective June 8, 2011 and returned to work on August 10, 2011. The employee again was disabled on October 7, 2011 and returned to work on December 12, 2011. The employee treated conservatively with medication and physical therapy.
Ms. Woppel sustained a second injury to her lower back on February 29, 2012 while lifting a latch door. She returned to the industrial clinic on February 29, 2012 where she was again diagnosed with ongoing back pain. She was disabled from work on March 1, 2012. Ms. Woppel was able to work on March 29, 2012 with work restrictions. The employee has never been able to return to her regular duty position as a Pollution Control Technician I and has continued to receive ongoing medical treatment.
Ms. Woppel has been paid a total of $26,119.75 in lost time benefits for both injuries for approximately 40 weeks, as of April 3, 2017. She is currently receiving lost time benefits until her settlement and resignation are processed.
Ms. Woppel’s attorney has filed two Applications for Adjustment of Claims with the Illinois Workers’ Compensation Commission (IWCC). Subject to the approval of the IWCC, these claims can now be settled for $300,000.00. This settlement would include a separate resignation and release of all claims against the District. In addition, this settlement closes out any future lost time and future medical benefits associated with these injuries.
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, Beverly K. Sanders, Director of Human Resources, BKS:RAJ:RG:
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 May 18, 2017