TRANSMITTAL LETTER FOR BOARD MEETING OF JANUARY 19, 2012
COMMITTEE ON JUDICIARY
Mr. David St. Pierre, Executive Director
Title
Authority to settle the Workers’ Compensation claim of Earl Ebers v. MWRDGC, Case No. 10 WC 29080, Illinois Workers’ Compensation Commission, in the sum of $50,425.00. Account 901-30000-601090
Body
Dear Sir:
Earl Ebers II is an Operating Engineer at the Calumet Water Reclamation Plant who sustained cervical and shoulder injuries on January 4, 2009, while involved in his duties inspecting a pump. Mr. Ebers sought medical treatment with his own physician, continued to work, and was diagnosed with a cervical strain and right biceps tendonitis.
A diagnostic MRI of both the cervical spine and the right shoulder in February 2009 revealed mild cervical degenerative changes, mostly at C5-6, and the right shoulder diagnosis was upgraded to a torn infraspinatus tendon. Mr. Ebers underwent a trial of physical therapy, steroid injections, and activity modification at work. On March 27, 2009, he underwent an arthroscopic debridement and repair of his right rotator cuff along with a distal clavicle resection. Mr. Ebers’ post-operative physical therapy lasted roughly six months, and he was released to return to full duty on September 28, 2009. He lost 24 weeks from work.
Mr. Ebers filed a 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 $50,425.00, which represents 30% loss of use of the right shoulder. This settlement closes out all future medical exposure related to this claim.
The General Counsel believes this settlement is in the District’s best interest 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 January 19, 2012.