TRANSMITTAL LETTER FOR BOARD MEETING OF JANUARY 7, 2010
COMMITTEE ON JUDICIARY
Mr. Richard Lanyon, Executive Director
Title
Authority to settle the vehicle accident claim of Margaret Green vs. MWRDGC, Case No. 2009 L 011363, Circuit Court of Cook County, in the sum of $22,000.00. Account 901-30000-601090
Body
Dear Sir:
On November 5, 2008, a District employee was involved in a traffic accident while driving a District vehicle. Margaret Green was driving one of the other four vehicles in this accident. As a result of this accident, Ms. Green required medical attention, treatment, and time off work.
After the accident, Ms. Green was taken to Adventist Bolingbrook Hospital and diagnosed with a left foot strain and left sided pain due to a sickle cell pain crisis. Ms. Green’s left foot was immobilized, and she was given medication for her sickle cell related pain. Ms. Green had additional treatment with a foot specialist. Her sickle cell pain crisis continued requiring three additional emergency room visits and treatment from a pain specialist. The relationship between the vehicle accident and sickle cell treatment is uncertain, but symptoms arose immediately after the accident.
Ms. Green filed a lawsuit with the Circuit Court of Cook County being Case No. 2009 L 011363.
At this time, Ms. Green’s medical expenses total nearly $22,000.00. In addition, as a result of this accident, her company filed a $3,154.09 lien for payments made to her under Workers’ Compensation.
The General Counsel now recommends this claim be settled for the sum of $22,000.00. This settlement offer takes into account the severity of the accident, the District’s clear liability, Ms. Green’s injuries, and the Workers’ Compensation lien. The General Counsel does not believe that the District would obtain a better result by allowing this case to be brought to trial.
The General Counsel believes this is an equitable settlement to conclude this matter 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, Frederick M. Feldman, General Counsel, FMF:LAG:VMM:nm
Respectfully Submitted, Terrence J. O’Brien, 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 January 7, 2010.