TRANSMITTAL LETTER FOR BOARD MEETING OF APRIL 5, 2012
COMMITTEE ON JUDICIARY
Mr. David St. Pierre, Executive Director
Title
Authority to settle the Workers' Compensation claim of Linda Johnson v. MWRDGC, Case No. 05 WC 54949, in the sum of $38,425.65. Account 901-30000-901
Body
Dear Sir:
Linda Johnson was an Administrative Assistant in the Main Office Building (Annex) who was injured at work when she tripped and fell on September 19, 2005.
Ms. Johnson was diagnosed with a sprained right ankle and Achilles tendon, right hip and knee contusions along with right elbow contusion, a right wrist strain, right shoulder sprain, and back pain. Her physician ordered physical therapy. Due to persistent pain, an MRI of the right shoulder was completed in October 2005. A small labral tear was suspected. The District's independent examining physician released Ms. Johnson to work as of December 5, 2005. Ms. Johnson did not return to work until her physician released her as of March 20, 2006. The treating physician opined that Ms. Johnson needed a rotator cuff repair for the labial tear, but she decided not to undergo the surgery due to her prior history of anesthesia intolerance. She retired from the District in June 2011.
Ms. Johnson filed an Application for Adjustment of Claim with the Illinois Workers' Compensation Commission and is represented by an attorney. Subject to the approval of the Illinois Workers' Compensation Commission, this claim can now be settled for the sum of $38,425.65. This represents 17.5% loss of use of the right shoulder and 14 weeks of disputed lost time, and it closes out all future medical exposure on this claim.
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:EW: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 April 5, 2012.