TRANSMITTAL LETTER FOR BOARD MEETING OF JANUARY 19, 2012
COMMITTEE ON JUDICIARY
Mr. David St. Pierre, Executive Director
Title
Authority to settle the Workers’ Compensation claims of Frank Pucher v. MWRDGC, Claim Nos. 0200003589, 0200003679, and 0200004033, in the sum of $43,384.73. Account 901-30000-601090 (As Revised)
Body
Dear Sir:
Frank Pucher is an Electrical Mechanic at the North Side Water Reclamation Plant who initially sustained an injury to his right elbow on June 26, 2007, while trying to free a combination motor and fan unit for removal. He subsequently aggravated his right elbow on August 23, 2007, while removing covers and tightening bolts on a transformer. He underwent surgery on the right elbow on September 26, 2007. He lost a total of 19-3/5th weeks from work as a result of this injury.
On May 8, 2008, Mr. Pucher backed away quickly from a light pole and, in the process, injured his left heel. He was treated conservatively for a time and then underwent surgery on the left foot on January 20, 2009. He lost a total of 43-3/5th weeks from work as a result of this injury.
The employee is represented by an attorney. After a course of negotiations, all three of these claims can be resolved for 17.5% loss of use of the right arm ($27,449.17) and 15% loss of use of the left foot ($15,935.56). Subject to the approval of the Illinois Workers’ Compensation Commission, these claims can be settled for a total of $43,384.73 which also closes out medical exposure.
The General Counsel 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, Ronald M. Hill, General Counsel, RMH:LAG:RG: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 19, 2012.