TRANSMITTAL LETTER FOR BOARD MEETING OF JANUARY 6, 2022
COMMITTEE ON JUDICIARY
Mr. Brian A. Perkovich, Executive Director
Title
Authority to settle the Workers’ Compensation Claim of Joseph Stewart vs. MWRDGC, Claim number 18 WC 12040, Illinois Workers’ Compensation Commission (IWCC), in the sum of $62,500.00, Account 901-30000-601090
Body
Dear Sir:
Joseph Stewart was an Operating Engineer II at the Calumet Water Reclamation Plant. He retired from the District effective May 1, 2018. On January 4, 2018, the employee reported that trying to open a boiler valve that was stuck required him to use additional force, resulting in alleged pain to the right elbow area. The employee was initially seen at the industrial clinic on January 4, 2018. The employee was initially disabled from work effective January 12, 2018. The employee was treated conservatively with medication and physical therapy. He returned to work on February 3, 2018. The employee continued to have difficulties with his right elbow. On December 11, 2019, the employee underwent a surgical procedure to repair his right elbow.
Mr. Stewart missed a total of 3.0 weeks of work and was paid $4,005.75 in lost time benefits.
Mr. Stewart filed an Application of Adjustment of Claim with the Illinois Workers’ Compensation Commission (IWCC) through his counsel. Subject to the approval of the IWCC, this case can now be settled for a total of $62,500.00, representing approximately 31.2% loss of use of the right arm. This settlement will close out future lost time and medical benefits associated with this injury.
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 January 6, 2022