TRANSMITTAL LETTER FOR BOARD MEETING OF APRIL 5, 2018
COMMITTEE ON JUDICIARY
Mr. David St. Pierre, Executive Director
Title
Authority to settle the Workers’ Compensation Claim of Phaedra Bullock vs. MWRDGC, Case 10 WC 46161 Illinois Workers’ Compensation Commission, in the sum of $246,000.00, Account 901-30000-601090
Body
Dear Sir:
Phaedra Bullock was a Maintenance Laborer A Shift at the Calumet Water Reclamation Plant when initially injured on July 19, 2009. She sustained injuries to her left wrist after lifting gallon sized water samples. Ms. Bullock was initially seen at the industrial clinic on July 19, 2009. She initially treated conservatively with treatment consisting of physical therapy and medication, but, her condition failed to improve. She was initially off from work effective July 21, 2009 before returning to work on July 31, 2009. However, she was disabled again effective August 1, 2009. On February 5, 2010, she underwent a procedure on her left wrist. Following this procedure, the employee received a course of physical therapy. On October 29, 2010 the employee underwent a second procedure on her left wrist.
The employee still continued to experience problems with her wrist and underwent a third procedure on the left wrist on October 3, 2011. A fourth procedure was performed on her left wrist a few days later on October 5, 2011. A fifth and final procedure was performed on her left wrist on May 30, 2012. In June of 2015 Ms. Bullock was found to be at medical maximum improvement. It was determined that the employee had permanent restrictions as a result of the injury.
The District has analyzed Ms. Bullocks permanent work restrictions under the interactive process established by its Americans with Disabilities Act policy. It has been determined that she cannot perform the essential functions of a Maintenance Laborer A Shift with or without reasonable accommodation.
Ms. Bullock has been paid a total of $387,806.97 in lost time benefits for her injury for approximately 449.60 weeks, as of March 7, 2018. She is currently receiving lost time benefits until her settlement and resignation are processed.
Ms. Bullock’s attorney has filed an Applications for Adjustment of Claim with the Illinois Workers’ Compensation Commission (IWCC). Subject to the approval of the IWCC, this claim can now be settled for $246,000.00. 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 April 5, 2018