TRANSMITTAL LETTER FOR BOARD MEETING OF JUNE 6, 2024
COMMITTEE ON PROCUREMENT
Mr. Brian A. Perkovich, Executive Director
Title
Authorization for payment to Inspe Associates LLC for Medical Expert Consulting Services in an amount not to exceed $50,000.00, Account 901-30000-667220
Body
Dear Sir:
Authorization is requested to make payment, by direct voucher, to Inspe Associates LLC for professional medical expert consulting and witness services to assist in the Metropolitan Water Reclamation District of Greater Chicago’s (the “District”) defense of Lasonya Alexander v. Metropolitan Water Reclamation District of Greater Chicago, et al., Case No. 2023 L 4223, currently pending in the Circuit Court of Cook County, Illinois, in an amount not to exceed $50,000.00.
The District and its employee are the only defendants in this personal injury lawsuit seeking compensation for injuries Plaintiff allegedly suffered following a traffic accident. Despite a minor brushing between the vehicles involved, Plaintiff is alleging injuries that have required substantial medical treatment, including multiple surgeries. To properly defend the District in this litigation, the Law Department must retain the services of an outside expert to evaluate the Plaintiff’s injuries and their potential connection to the accident. Specifically, the Law Department requests approval to retain an orthopedic surgeon to provide medical expert consulting and witness services in this case.
The level of expertise required for this work is specialized, requiring experience in reviewing and analyzing medical records, radiographic images, and medical doctor testimony. The selected expert is a reputable medical doctor who specializes in orthopedic surgery and has served as an expert witness in the past. The expert’s proposed charges would be $900.00 per hour for record review and preparation of an expert report, and $1,200.00 per hour for deposition or trial testimony.
Inspe Associates LLC possesses the requisite skill to provide these services. Since the services to be provided require a high degree of professional skill where the ability of the individual plays an important part, nothing would be gained by advertising for bids (Section 11.4 of the Purchasing Act).
It is hereby recommended that the Board of Commissioners authorize payment, by direct voucher, to Inspe Associates LLC, in an amount not to exceed $50,000.00. Funds are available in Account 901-30000-667220.
Requested, Susan T. Morakalis, General Counsel, STM:JTM:ATF:nl
Recommended, Darlene A. LoCascio, Director of Procurement and Materials Management
Respectfully Submitted, Marcelino Garcia, Chairman Committee of Procurement
Disposition of this agenda item will be documented in the official Regular Board Meeting Minutes of the Board of Commissioners for June 6, 2024