TRANSMITTAL LETTER FOR BOARD MEETING OF MAY 7, 2026
COMMITTEE ON JUDICIARY
Mr. John P. Murray, Executive Director
Title.
Authority to settle the Workers’ Compensation Claims of Chaz Payne vs. MWRDGC, Claim number 24WC17726 and 24WC17729, Illinois Workers’ Compensation Commission (IWCC), in the sum of $400,000.00, Account 901-30000-601090
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Dear Sir:
Chaz Payne is Maintenance Laborer A at the Hanover Park Water Reclamation Plant. On December 4, 2023, he reported that he injured his lower back while cleaning screens in a remote pumping station and moving downed trees. He sought treatment at the Industrial Clinic and was diagnosed with low back strain. He was treated conservatively with physical therapy and medication.
Mr. Payne continued to experience pain. He had an MRI which revealed degenerative changes, including multi-level disk bulging without herniation. He continued treating conservatively. Mr. Payne’s condition worsened and he was taken off work on April 15, 2024. A repeat MRI was performed on April 19, 2024, which showed evidence of spinal stenosis and foraminal stenosis with herniated nucleus pulpous, right L5-S1. Mr. Payne underwent right L5-S1microscopic diskectomy surgery on May 2, 2024.
He returned to work on June 27, 2024. On August 27, 2024, he was off work again to undergo a Functional Capacity Exam. On September 2, 2024, Mr. Payne was off work to complete a Work Conditioning Program. He returned to work on October 4, 2024.
On October 10, 2024, Mr. Payne was off work again due to his pain. He returned to work restricted duty on October 29, 2024, until March 3, 2025. At that time, Mr. Payne was taken off work with permanent restrictions.
As of April 10, 2026, Mr. Payne has been paid 75.4 weeks of lost time benefits totaling $87,384.44.
Mr. Payne is currently receiving lost time benefits until his settlement is processed.
Mr. Payne has filed an Application of Adjustment of Claims with the Illinois Workers’ Compensation Commission (IWCC) through his counsel. Subject to the approval of the IWCC, these claims can now be settled for $400,000.00. This settlement will close out future lost time and medical benefits associated with this claim.
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 he be authorized to execute such documents as may be necessary to effect the settlement.
Requested, Thaddeus J. Kosowski, Director of Human Resources, TJK:BLW:DMG
Disposition of this agenda item will be documented in the official Regular Board Meeting Minutes of the Board of Commissioners for May 7, 2026