TRANSMITTAL LETTER FOR BOARD MEETING OF FEBRUARY 21, 2008
COMMITTEE ON JUDICIARY
Mr. Richard Lanyon, General Superintendent
Title
Payment of the Award in the Workers’ Compensation Claim of Caster Williams v. MWRDGC, 05 WC 55541, Illinois Workers’ Compensation Commission, in the amount of $50,299.49. Account 901-30000-601090
Body
Dear Sir:
Caster Williams is an MLA at the North Side Water Reclamation Plant. On October 10, 2005, he slipped while removing a blockage from a creek and twisted his right knee. He went to Swedish Covenant Hospital and was diagnosed with right knee sprain. MRI revealed severe degenerative disease and tear of the lateral meniscus. Williams underwent two surgeries to his right knee and had extensive physical therapy. He lost a total of 154 days of work.
Williams filed an Application for Adjustment of Claim being Case No. 05 WC 55541. On September 19, 2007 this case went to trial before Arbitrator Lee of the Illinois Workers’ Compensation Commission. In his decision dated January 7, 2008, Arbitrator Lee awarded Williams $44,530.69 which represents a 35% loss of the right leg. In addition, Arbitrator Lee found that Williams weekly disability rate should have included wages from a second job that he was unable to work due to his District injury. This underpayment amounts to $5,768.80 for a total award of $50,299.49.
The Attorney believes that the award was within the range of cases for similar awards and requests payment of that sum be approved and he be authorized to execute such documents as may be necessary to pay the award.
Requested, Frederick M. Feldman, Attorney, FMF:VMM
Respectfully Submitted, Terrence J. O’Brien, Chairman Committee on Judiciary
ORDERED passed by affirmative roll call vote of a majority of the Commissioners present this February 21, 2008. Approved, President Terrence J. O’Brien