TRANSMITTAL LETTER FOR BOARD MEETING OF SEPTEMBER 17, 2026
COMMITTEE ON JUDICIARY
Mr. John P. Murray, Executive Director
Title
Authority to settle the Workers’ Compensation Claims of James Thiel vs. MWRDGC, Claim numbers 20WC5599 and 22WC11382 Illinois Workers’ Compensation Commission (IWCC), in the sum of $28,927.13, Account 901-30000-601090
Body
Dear Sir:
James Thiel is a Plumber at the O’Brien Water Reclamation Plant. On February 10, 2020, he reported that he walked into a marked pipe and had pain in his chest. Mr. Thiel sought treatment at the Industrial Clinic and was diagnosed with a contusion of the left front wall of his thorax.
Mr. Thiel did not lose any time from work.
On September 28, 2021, Mr. Thiel reported that while lowering a 300-pound pump, the pump got caught on a rail, and when he tried to free it, the chain wrapped around his right thumb. He treated at the Emergency Department on September 28, 2021, and had a 4-cm laceration repaired.
Mr. Thiel was off work starting on September 29, 2021, and returned to work on October 4, 2021. Mr. Thiel was not paid any lost time benefits due to the statutory waiting period under the Illinois Workers’ Compensation Act.
Mr. Thiel filed Applications of Adjustment of Claim with the Illinois Workers’ Compensation Commission (IWCC) through his counsel. Subject to the approval of the IWCC, these cases can be settled for $28,927.13 representing approximately 1% loss of a person as a whole and approximately 35% loss of the thumb. This settlement will close out any future lost time.
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 he be authorized to execute such documents as may be necessary to effect the settlement.
Requested, James E. Fisher, Director of Human Resources, JEF:BLW:DMG
Disposition of this agenda item will be documented in the official Regular Board Meeting Minutes of the Board of Commissioners for September 17, 2026