TRANSMITTAL LETTER FOR BOARD MEETING OF NOVEMBER 4, 2010
COMMITTEE ON JUDICIARY
Mr. Richard Lanyon, Executive Director
Title
Authority to settle the Workers’ Compensation Claim of Anthony Balich vs. MWRDGC, Claim No. 200004241, Illinois Workers’ Compensation Commission, in the sum of $80,723.60, Account 901-30000-601090
Body
Dear Sir:
Anthony Balich was a Pipefitter Foreman at the Stickney Water Reclamation Plant. He retired on May 1, 2010. On November 17, 2008, he slipped on a plastic sheet on the floor of the shop basement storage room and fell on his right shoulder and arm. He went to the Excel Clinic and was diagnosed with a possible right biceps tendon tear. An MRI revealed a massive rotator cuff tear with severe retraction of the rotator cuff. Mr. Balich underwent arthroscopic rotator cuff repair surgery on December 11, 2008. He attended physical therapy for five months but was unable to regain strength or range of motion. An MRI arthrogram revealed that the rotator cuff was re-torn. On August 10, 2009, he underwent a complex revision open rotator cuff repair. He completed a physical therapy program but continued to have difficulty with strength and movements above and away from his body. He was released with a permanent eight-pound lifting restriction. He lost a total of 147 days of work.
Subject to the approval of the Illinois Workers’ Compensation Commission, this pro se claim can be settled for the sum of $80,723.60 which represents a 48% loss of use of the right arm.
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 November 4, 2010