TRANSMITTAL LETTER FOR BOARD MEETING OF JULY 11, 2013
COMMITTEE ON JUDICIARY
Mr. David St. Pierre, Executive Director
Title
Authority to settle the Workers' Compensation Claim of Thomas Trend vs. MWRDGC, Case No. 12 WC 04339, Illinois Workers' Compensation Commission (IWCC), in the sum of $37,473.59. Account 901-30000-601090
Body
Dear Sir:
Thomas Trend is a Machinist who works at the Stickney Water Reclamation Plant. On February 18, 2009, he injured his left wrist at work. On February 18, 2009, he was seen at the industrial clinic where an x-ray of the left wrist revealed some carpal degenerative changes and a potential old navicular fracture with a line of sclerosis through the mid-body. The ulnar half appeared significantly sclerotic and raised concerns of possible avascular necrosis. On April 7, 2009, a hand specialist noted Mr. Trend may require surgery of the left wrist in the future, which may be a partial or total fusion of the wrist.
A total of 12 weeks of lost time benefits were paid for this injury.
Mr. Trend filed an Application for Adjustment of Claim with the IWCC through his counsel. On June 11, 2013, at the IWCC pre-trial, the arbitrator ruled the aggravation of a pre-existing injury was considered related to his work injury, thus increasing the settlement value of his claim. Subject to approval of the IWCC, this claim can now be settled for the sum of $37,473.59, which represents 27.5% loss of use of the left hand. This settlement will close out any future lost time benefits as well as any future medical exposure on this claim.
The General Counsel believes this settlement is in the best interest of the District and requests payment of that sum be approved and he be authorized to execute such documents as may be necessary to effect the settlement.
Requested, Ronald M. Hill, General Counsel, RMH:LAG:RG:nm
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 July 11, 2013