TRANSMITTAL LETTER FOR BOARD MEETING OF AUGUST 12, 2010
COMMITTEE ON JUDICIARY
Mr. Richard Lanyon, Executive Director
Title
Authority to settle the Workers’ Compensation Claim of Larry Sanetra vs. MWRDGC, Case No. 07 WC 17224, Illinois Workers’ Compensation Commission, in the sum of $77,496.25, Account 901-30000-601090
Body
Dear Sir:
Larry Sanetra was a Maintenance Laborer A at the Kirie Water Reclamation Plant. On February 9, 2007, he was scrubbing the machine shop floor. He moved an oil dry can and was walking with it when he twisted and developed neck pain. Mr. Sanetra went to the Advocate Occupational Health Clinic and was diagnosed with a cervical strain with right upper extremity radiculopathy. Treatment included therapy and epidural steroid injections, but he continued to have neck pain and pain radiating into his arms. An anterior cervical discectomy and fusion at two levels was recommended. The District’s evaluating physician reported that Mr. Sanetra would benefit from the surgery but opined that the surgery was not related to the February 9, 2009, work accident. The orthopedic surgeon treating Mr. Sanetra opined that the surgery was related to the accident. The District denied additional treatment for this claim based on our doctor’s opinion. Mr. Sanetra retired on March 1, 2008, and elected to have the proposed surgery.
At this time, Mr. Sanetra is willing to accept $77,496.25 or 25% of the person as a whole to settle this claim. Since there are conflicting medical opinions on this claim, General Counsel believes it is in the District’s best interests to settle this matter and close out all issues.
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 August 12, 2010