TRANSMITTAL LETTER FOR BOARD MEETING OF JUNE 15, 2023
COMMITTEE ON JUDICIARY
Mr. Brian A. Perkovich, Executive Director
Title
Authority to settle the Illinois Workers’ Compensation Claims of Chaz Payne vs. MWRDGC, Claim Number 23WC012268 in the sum of $76,276.38, Account 901-30000-601090
Body
Dear Sir:
Chaz Payne is a Maintenance Laborer A at the Hanover Park Water Reclamation Plant. At the time of his accident, he was assigned to the Calumet Water Reclamation Plant. On March 23, 2021, the employee reported that he felt a pop in his lower back and soreness after lifting heavy metal scraps, including heavy engine parts. He sought treatment at the industrial clinic on March 23, 2021, where he was treated conservatively with medication and physical therapy for his lower back. He was initially disabled on April 12, 2021, and returned to work on April 16, 2021. An MRI performed on April 13, 2021, revealed that he had several protrusions and bulges in his lower back. The employee was disabled again on April 19, 2021, and returned to work on April 20, 2021.
The employee reported reinjuring his lower back on June 25, 2021, after emptying a heavy trash can filled with metal scraps. The employee sought treatment at the industrial clinic on June 25., 2021. A repeat MRI of the lumbar spine was performed on August 10, 2021. Based on this second MRI the doctor recommended surgery. On September 1, 2021, the employee underwent surgery to repair his lower back, at which time he was disabled. Following back surgery, he underwent a period of physical therapy. He initially returned to work on October 4, 2021, but was disabled again effective October 29, 2021, while he underwent a work conditioning program. He returned to work on January 10, 2022.
The employee was paid .40 weeks or 2 days of lost time benefits totaling $428.10 for the March 21, 2021 accident. He was paid 14.80 weeks totaling $15,931.27 for the June 25, 2021, accident.
Subject to the approval of the IWCC, this Pro-Se case can be settled for $76,276.38, representing approximately 17.5% loss of use of the person as a whole. This settlement will close out any future lost time benefits as well as any future medical benefits associated with this injury.
The Acting 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, Acting Director of Human Resources, TJK:BLW:RG
Disposition of this agenda item will be documented in the official Regular Board Meeting Minutes of the Board of Commissioners for June 15, 2023