TRANSMITTAL LETTER FOR BOARD MEETING OF MARCH 19, 2026
COMMITTEE ON JUDICIARY
Mr. John P. Murray, Executive Director
Title
Authority to settle the Workers’ Compensation Claim of Peter Hopp vs. MWRDGC, Claim number 19WC6924, Illinois Workers’ Compensation Commission (IWCC), in the sum of $163,628.84, Account 901-30000-601090
Body
Dear Sir:
Peter Hopp is a Hoisting Engineer working at the Stickney Water Reclamation Plant. On July 14, 2018, the employee reported that he slipped while climbing stairs to biosolids equipment and fell between the stair edge and equipment sustaining multiple injuries. The employee was initially seen at the industrial clinic on July 14, 2018, where he primarily complained of pain in his left hip, right shoulder and lower back. He was disabled from work effective July 16, 2018. He treated conservatively with medication and rest. He returned to work on September 17, 2018, on a restricted basis, but was disabled again effective September 27, 2018, after undergoing surgery on his right shoulder. Following surgery, he underwent a course of physical therapy. On November 19, 2018, the employee complained of low back pain. He returned to work on February 27, 2019. The employee continued to seek treatment for the lower back issue. After an independent medical evaluation on September 30, 2020, the back issue was placed under dispute.
The employee continued to experience issues with his lower back and on August 10, 2021, underwent back surgery. The employee went off work at this time and continues to remain off work.
Following the District’s dispute of the back injury this case went to trial at the Illinois Workers Compensation Commission (IWCC) for lost time and medical benefits. The District was ordered to pay lost time benefits for the period of August 10, 2021, through January 28, 2022, totaling $49,236.16. These benefits have since been paid.
Mr. Hopp filed an Application of Adjustment of Claim with the IWCC and produced medical records indicating that he was owed an additional 38 weeks of lost time benefits covering a period of January 29, 2022, through October 23, 2023, totaling $50,888.84. The District was again ordered to pay additional lost time benefits. These benefits have since been paid.
Mr. Hopp has been paid a total of 111.8 weeks of lost time benefits to date, totaling $165,475.22.
Mr. Hopp filed a new application for benefits, and this case went to trial at the IWCC on June 6, 2025. The IWCC decided in favor of Mr. Hopp, and the District was ordered to pay lost time benefits for the period of March 16, 2023, through June 10, 2025, 116 5/7 weeks, equaling $158,731.04, plus medical benefits of $1,117.86, totaling $159,848.90. The District filed an appeal at the IWCC for the lost time and medical benefits. However, the District was unsuccessful in its appeal and the decision was affirmed.
Mr. Hopp filed an Application of Adjustment of Claim with the Illinois Workers’ Compensation Commission (IWCC) through his counsel. The District is therefore obligated to pay the award, plus interest of $3,779.94, totaling $163,628.84. This settlement does not close out future lost time and medical benefits, or any permanency value associated with this injury. However, failure to pay this award on a timely basis can result in financial penalties.
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, Thaddeus J. Kosowski, Director of Human Resources, TJK:BLW:DMG
Disposition of this agenda item will be documented in the official Regular Board Meeting Minutes of the Board of Commissioners for March 19, 2026