TRANSMITTAL LETTER FOR BOARD MEETING OF DECEMBER 21, 2017
COMMITTEE ON JUDICIARY
Mr. David St. Pierre, Executive Director
Title
Authority to settle the Workers’ Compensation Claims of George Schury vs. MWRDGC, Cases 14 WC 35733 and 15 WC 6068 Illinois Workers’ Compensation Commission, in the sum of $225,000.00, Account 901-30000-601090
Body
Dear Sir:
George Schury was a Carpenter at the Stickney Water Reclamation Plant when initially injured on June 26, 2013. He sustained injuries to his left knee when he tripped over some lumber on the floor. Mr. Schury was initially seen at the industrial clinic on June 26, 2013. He initially received conservative treatment consisting of physical therapy and medication, but his condition failed to improve. On February 11, 2014, he underwent a procedure on his left knee. He was disabled from work at this time. Following his procedure, the employee received a course of physical therapy. He was able to return to work on April 28, 2014.
Mr. Schury sustained a second injury to his left knee while working at the Calumet Water Reclamation Plant as a Carpenter Leadman on February 2, 2015 while pulling up carpet from a squatted position. He was initially seen at the industrial clinic on February 2, 2015. The employee was initially treated conservatively with physical therapy and medication, but he continued to experience problems with his left knee. On February 27, 2016, the employee underwent another procedure on his left knee. He was disabled from work at this time. Following this procedure, the employee underwent another course of physical therapy. The employee was able to return to restricted duty work on November 21, 2016. After working in a restricted capacity for approximately six months, the employee was placed back on duty disability effective May 24, 2017. It was determined that the employee had permanent restrictions as a result of the injury.
The District has analyzed Mr. Schury’s permanent work restrictions under the interactive process established by its Americans with Disabilities Act policy. It has been determined that he cannot perform the essential functions of a Carpenter Leadman with or without reasonable accommodation.
Mr. Schury has been paid a total of $52,869.99 in lost time benefits for both injuries for approximately 45.20 weeks, as of December 1, 2017. He is currently receiving lost time benefits until his settlement and resignation are processed.
Ms. Schury’s attorney has filed two Applications for Adjustment of Claims with the Illinois Workers’ Compensation Commission (IWCC). Subject to the approval of the IWCC, these claims can now be settled for $225,000.00. This settlement would include a separate resignation and release of all claims against the District. In addition, this settlement closes out any future lost time and future 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:
Respectfully Submitted, Mariyana T. Spyropoulos, 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 December 21, 2017