TRANSMITTAL LETTER FOR BOARD MEETING OF FEBRUARY 4, 2021
COMMITTEE ON JUDICIARY
Mr. Brian A. Perkovich, Executive Director
Title
Authority to settle the Workers’ Compensation Claim of Adam Fischer vs. MWRDGC, Claim 15 WC 030571, Illinois Workers’ Compensation Commission (IWCC), in the sum of $82,275.98, Account 901-30000-601090
Body
Dear Sir:
Adam Fischer is an Operating Engineer II at the Calumet Water Reclamation Plant. On May 22, 2012, he reported that he sustained an injury to his right knee while walking on uneven ground and twisting his right leg while going to read a gas meter. He initially sought medical treatment at the industrial clinic on May 22, 2012 and was prescribed medication. The employee was placed on disability effective June 18, 2012. He failed to improve with conservative treatment and underwent surgery of the right knee on August 8, 2012. Following surgery, the employee underwent a course of physical therapy. He returned to work on August 19, 2012.
Mr. Fischer continued to experience problems with his right knee and underwent a second procedure on his right knee on November 13, 2013 at which time he was disabled from work again. Following this surgery, he underwent a course of physical therapy. He returned to work again on January 9, 2014.
Mr. Fisher continued to experience issues with his right knee and on May 8, 2016 he was placed on disability again. He underwent a third right knee procedure on May 18, 2016. Following his surgery, he underwent another course of physical therapy. He returned to work on October 12, 2016 but was disabled again on October 30, 2016 before returning to work on November 3, 2016.
Mr. Fischer was paid a total of 38.80 weeks in lost time benefits totaling $45,339.41.
Mr. Fischer filed an Application of Adjustment of Claim with the Illinois Workers’ Compensation Commission (IWCC) through his counsel. Subject to the approval of the IWCC, this case can now be settled for a total of $82,275.98, representing approximately 55% loss of use of the right leg. This settlement will close out future lost time benefits associated with this injury.
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 she be authorized to execute such documents as may be necessary to effect the settlement.
Requested, Beverly K. Sanders, Director of Human Resources, BKS:RAJ:RG
Disposition of this agenda item will be documented in the official Regular Board Meeting Minutes of the Board of Commissioners for February 4, 2021