TRANSMITTAL LETTER FOR BOARD MEETING OF OCTOBER 2, 2025
COMMITTEE ON JUDICIARY
Mr. John P. Murray, Acting Executive Director
Title
Authority to settle the Workers’ Compensation Claim of Chantell Hayes, fka Chantell Sims vs. MWRDGC, Claim number 23WC025651, Illinois Workers’ Compensation Commission (IWCC), in the sum of $219,578.39, Account 901-30000-601090
Body
Dear Sir:
Chantell Haynes, formerly known as Chantell Sims, was a Fireman/Oiler at the Stickney Water Reclamation Plant. Ms. Haynes retired from the District on September 1, 2024. On August 25, 2023, she reported that while pushing a generator on a cart, the generator started to fall, and she grabbed hold of it and hurt both shoulders. Ms. Haynes sought treatment at the Industrial Clinic for neck and bilateral shoulder strains. She treated conservatively, with physical therapy and medication.
On September 12, 2023, Ms. Haynes started a series of Cortisone injections. The treatment was not successful. On September 19, 2023, an MRI revealed a partial thickness tear and high-grade full thickness posterior supraspinatus tear of the left shoulder. Ms. Haynes underwent surgery on November 9, 2023. She was off work effective November 7, 2023, and returned to work on March 11, 2024. Ms. Haynes returned to restricted duty and remained on restricted duty until her retirement.
On April 24, 2024, Ms. Haynes reported numbness and tingling in her left wrist. She was evaluated by electromyography. The recommended Carpel Tunnel Surgery was in dispute based on an independent medical evaluation. The employee did undergo surgery on September 18, 2024; however, group health insurance paid for this medical treatment. There were no lost time benefits paid for this injury.
Ms. Haynes was paid 17.80 weeks of lost time benefits totaling $22,506.32.
Ms. Haynes filed an Application of Adjustment of Claims with the Illinois Workers’ Compensation Commission (IWCC) through her counsel. Subject to the approval of the IWCC, this case can now be settled for a total of $219,578.39 representing 7.5% loss of the left hand and 40% loss of a person as a whole. 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 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 October 2, 2025