TRANSMITTAL LETTER FOR BOARD MEETING OF OCTOBER 15, 2026
COMMITTEE ON JUDICIARY
Mr. John P. Murray, Executive Director
Title
Authority to settle the Workers’ Compensation Claim of Jack Vollriede vs. MWRDGC, Claim number 15WC033913, Illinois Workers’ Compensation Commission (IWCC), in the sum of $437,785.01 Account 901-30000-601090
Body
Dear Sir:
Jack Vollriede worked as an Electrical Mechanic at the Egan Water Reclamation Plant. He retired from the District, effective March 1, 2024. On August 12, 2015, the employee reported that while trouble shooting an electrical problem on a dump truck, in tight quarters, he felt a sharp pain in the back of his right shoulder. The employee was initially seen at the Emergency Department on August 17, 2015. He was diagnosed with shoulder strain.
Initially, Mr. Vollriede treated conservatively with medication and physical therapy. He later received injections to his right shoulder.
Mr. Vollriede had an MRI on October 30, 2015, which revealed a partial tear and some small fragment loose body in the bicep tendon. On December 10, 2015, an Independent Medical Examination (IME) recommended surgical repair. Mr. Vollriede had surgery on March 14, 2016. He was off work effective March 14, 2016, and returned to work on July 7, 2016. The operative report indicated that he underwent biceps tenodesis and debridement, without cuff repair.
Mr. Vollriede was paid 16.6 weeks of lost time benefits totaling $19,565.89.
In April 2017, Mr. Vollriede returned to his doctor with complaints of pain and weakness in his right shoulder. He began treating with injections. An MRI on July 11, 2017, revealed chronic wear and degeneration (tendinosis) with a partial tear affecting two connected rotator cuff tendons at the back of his right shoulder joint. Following another IME, which noted that this was intact prior to Mr. Vollriede’s surgery, and therefore not related to the August 2015 injury, the District denied any further treatment.
Mr. Vollriede went on FMLA Leave on September 25, 2017. He had surgery for a non-work-related condition, and collected Ordinary Disability from July 10, 2017, through December 31, 2019. Mr. Vollriede became disabled under the Social Security rules effective December 31, 2018. He remained off work until his retirement.
Mr. Vollriede filed an Application of Adjustment of Claim with the Illinois Workers’ Compensation Commission (IWCC) through his counsel. The parties negotiated a settlement for permanency value but could not reach an agreement on lost time benefits, and the matter proceeded to trial at the IWCC.
On June 4, 2025, the IWCC decided in favor of Mr. Vollriede. The District appealed the decision. On September 4, 2026, the Commission affirmed the lost time benefits award and permanency award and reduced the maintenance award. It would not be in the best interest of the District to appeal further.
The District was ordered to pay lost time benefits for the period of March 14, 2016, through July 6, 2016 and June 20, 2017, through August 31, 2020, 183 3/7 weeks, totaling $216,202.25, less credit for benefits previously paid ($19,565.89). The District was also ordered to pay maintenance benefits from February 6, 2023, through October 18, 2023, 36 3/7 weeks, totaling $42,937.77. The District was further ordered to pay permanency benefits of $169,924.50 which represents 45% of a person as a whole, and medical expenses of $4,118.10. Interest has accrued at a rate of $47.02 per day, from June 4, 2025, and will continue at that rate until payment of the award. This is a total of $437,785.01 through October 30, 2026. This settlement will close out future lost time benefits associated with this injury, however medical benefits will remain open. Failure to pay on a timely basis can result in financial penalties and further interest.
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 October 15, 2026