TRANSMITTAL LETTER FOR BOARD MEETING OF AUGUST 6, 2020
COMMITTEE ON JUDICIARY
Mr. Brian A. Perkovich, Executive Director
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Authority to settle the Workers’ Compensation Claims of Matthew McHugh vs. MWRDGC, Claim Numbers 07 WC 26029 and 12 WC 9828, Illinois Workers’ Compensation Commission (IWCC), in the sum of $85,000.00, Account 901-30000-601090
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Dear Sir:
Matthew McHugh was an Operating Engineer II who worked at the Stickney Water Reclamation Plant and later the Egan Water Reclamation Plant. He separated from the District effective March 1, 2014. On March 7, 2007, he reported he was assaulted by a co-worker while performing his normal job duties at the District. He went to see his own doctor on March 8, 2007 and was disabled from work at that time. The employee sought psychological treatment during this period and continued to be off from work. He eventually was able to return to work on February 29, 2008. It is our understanding that Mr. McHugh continues to undergo treatment for this accident.
On October 3, 2011, Mr. McHugh reported a second injury to his back and shoulder after leaning over to lift up log books. The employee sought treatment with his own physician on October 3, 2011, initially treated conservatively with medication and physical therapy. The employee underwent a cervical discectomy with a fusion on February 5, 2014.
Mr. McHugh was paid a total of 46.8 weeks in lost time benefits for the first accident totaling $47,608.32. He was not paid any lost time benefits for the second accident.
Mr. McHugh filed Application of Adjustment of Claim's with the Illinois Workers’ Compensation Commission (IWCC) through his counsel. Subject to the approval of the IWCC, these cases can now be settled for a total of $85,000.00, representing approximately 1.61% loss of the person as a whole for the first accident and approximately 22.99% loss of a person as a whole for the second accident. This settlement will close out lost time and medical benefits associated with these injuries.
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 August 6, 2020