TRANSMITTAL LETTER FOR BOARD MEETING OF AUGUST 13, 2026
COMMITTEE ON JUDICIARY
Mr. John P. Murray, Executive Director
Title
Authority to settle the Workers’ Compensation Claim of Robert Chorzepa vs. MWRDGC, Claim number 22WC018377, Illinois Workers’ Compensation Commission (IWCC), in the sum of $20,000.00, Account 901-30000-601090
Body
Dear Sir:
Robert Chorzepa is a Machinist working at the Stickney Water Reclamation Plant. On July 5, 2022, the employee reported that he was removing a chain off a sprocket and his left middle and ring fingers were caught up in the chain, causing the left tip of the middle finger to be severed and crushing the left ring finger. Mr. Chorzepa was taken by ambulance to the Emergency Department.
He had emergency surgery on July 5, 2022. His left middle finger and left ring finger were partially amputated.
Mr. Chorzepa was off work from July 6, 2022, and returned to work on September 8, 2022.
Mr. Chorzepa was paid a total of 9.2 weeks of lost time benefits totaling $12,979.04.
On September 1, 2022, the Board of Commissioners approved the statutory loss amount of 50% loss of use of the left middle finger, totaling $17,805.09, which the District was obligated to pay, as required by the Illinois Worker’s Compensation Act.
Mr. Chorzepa 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 be settled for $20,000.00, representing approximately 28.37% loss of use of the left middle finger, 30% loss of use of the left ring finger, and $1,157.29 for an adjustment to the wage rate applied in the previous payment. This settlement will close out any future lost time and medical benefits associated with this injury.
The Acting 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, Acting 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 August 13, 2026