TRANSMITTAL LETTER FOR BOARD MEETING OF NOVEMBER 6, 2025
COMMITTEE ON JUDICIARY
Mr. John P. Murray, Acting Executive Director
Title
Authority to settle the Illinois Workers’ Compensation Claims of Cheritha Ellis vs. MWRDGC, Claim Number 22WC032781, 22WC032782, 23WC003692, 23WC031216, and 24WC004810 in the sum of $45,000.00, Account 901-30000-601090
Body
Dear Sir:
Cheritha Ellis worked as a Maintenance Laborer A at the O’Brien Water Reclamation Plant, the Calumet Water Reclamation Plant, and the Stickney Water Reclamation Plant. She has since separated from the District, effective May 22, 2025.
On March 4, 2021, at O’Brien, Ms. Ellis reported that while throwing a bag of garbage into a dumpster, she injured her left shoulder. She sought treatment at Trinity Hospital on March 7, 2021, where she was taken off work for a left shoulder contusion and sprain. She returned to work on May 5, 2021.
On June 18, 2021, at O’Brien, Ms. Ellis reported that while operating a riding lawnmower, she went over a hump and injured her lower back. She sought treatment at the Industrial Clinic on June 21, 2021, and was diagnosed with thoracic spine strain. She was treated conservatively with physical therapy. She had no lost time for this injury.
On March 7, 2022, at O’Brien, Ms. Ellis reported that while throwing a bag of garbage into a dumpster she felt a pop on her left side and back. She sought treatment at the Industrial Clinic and was diagnosed with lumbar strain. She was treated conservatively with physical therapy. She had no lost time for this injury.
On February 7, 2023, at O’Brien, Ms. Ellis reported that while moving furniture with a co-worker, she injured her left shoulder and back. She sought treatment at the Industrial Clinic and was diagnosed with a strain of the left shoulder and thoracic area. She was treated with physical therapy and had no lost time for this injury.
October 11, 2023, while working at Calumet, Ms. Ellis reported a repetitive injury to her right shoulder and elbow from frequent work using a weed whacker. She sought treatment at the Industrial Clinic and was diagnosed with chronic rotator cuff tendonitis and lateral epicondylitis. She was treated conservatively with physical therapy. She had no lost time for this injury.
Ms. Ellis was paid 8.4 weeks of lost time benefits totaling $8,979.95.
Ms. Ellis filed Applications of Adjustment of Claim with the Illinois Workers’ Compensation Commission (IWCC) through her counsel. Subject to the approval of the IWCC, this case can be settled for $45,000.00 representing approximately 6.0% loss of a person as a whole and 9.4% loss of the use of the arm. This settlement will close out any future lost time and 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 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 November 6, 2025