TRANSMITTAL LETTER FOR BOARD MEETING OF NOVEMBER 20, 2025
COMMITTEE ON JUDICIARY
Mr. John P. Murray, Acting Executive Director
Title
Authority to settle the Workers’ Compensation Claim of Scott Bresnahan vs. MWRDGC, Claim number 14WC023745, Illinois Workers’ Compensation Commission (IWCC), in the sum of $465,000.00, Account 901-30000-601090 (As Revised)
Body
Dear Sir:
Scott Bresnahan was a Pipefitter at the Calumet Water Reclamation Plant. He retired from the District effective November 1, 2025. On November 18, 2013, he reported that he injured his lower back while moving a heating unit with a coworker. On November 19, 2013, he sought treatment at the Industrial Clinic and was diagnosed with a lumbar strain. He was treated conservatively with physical therapy and medication.
Mr. Bresnahan continued to experience pain. He had an MRI which revealed Degenerative Disc Disease. He was off work on November 20, 2013, and returned to work on November 29, 2013. Mr. Bresnahan was treated with multiple injections. He continued to experience pain. He was off work on January 9, 2014, and returned to work February 24, 2014. He was off work on May 1, 2014, and returned to work May 21, 2014. He was off work September 19, 2014, and returned to work on August 17, 2015. Mr. Bresnahan was off work again on March 24, 2016, and remained off work until his retirement.
On May 24, 2016, Mr. Bresnahan had Lumbar Fusion surgery.
In July 2017, his doctor diagnosed him with Failed Back Syndrome and referred him to Pain Management.
On September 29, 2017, he underwent a spinal cord stimulator trial.
In June of 2018, Mr. Bresnahan was found to be at maximum medical improvement, based on an independent medical examination. It was also determined that the employee had permanent restrictions.
On November 5, 2019, Mr. Bresnahan had a pain pump surgically implanted.
A second independent medical examination, in February of 2021, also found Mr. Bresnahan to be at maximum medical improvement. Again, it was determined that the employee had permanent restrictions.
Mr. Bresnahan is currently receiving lost time benefits until his settlement is processed.
Mr. Bresnahan has 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 claim can now be settled for $465,000.00. This settlement will close out future lost time and medical benefits associated with this claim.
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 20, 2025