TRANSMITTAL LETTER FOR BOARD MEETING OF MAY 7, 2026
COMMITTEE ON JUDICIARY
Mr. John P. Murray, Executive Director
Title
Authority to settle the Workers’ Compensation Claim of Jose Escobedo vs. MWRDGC, Claim Number 24WC026579, Illinois Workers’ Compensation Commission (IWCC), in the sum of $20,918.40, Account 901-30000-601090
Body
Dear Sir:
Jose Escobedo is a Maintenance Laborer A Shift working at the Stickney Water Reclamation Plant. On September 16, 2024, it was reported that when he entered a manhole, he was exposed to gases. Mr. Escobedo was unconscious and CPR was performed. He was taken by ambulance to the Emergency Room. He was hospitalized overnight for observation. Mr. Escobedo followed up with a Neurologist.
He was off work effective September 17, 2024. He returned to work on September 23, 2024. Mr. Escobedo was off work again on January 8, 2025, and returned to work on May 22, 2025.
Mr. Escobedo was paid 17.4 weeks of lost time benefits totaling $21,363.72.
Mr. Escobedo filed Applications of Adjustment of Claim with the Illinois Workers’ Compensation Commission (IWCC) through his counsel. Subject to the approval of the IWCC, this case can be settled for $20,918.20 representing approximately 4.0% loss of a person as a whole.
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 May 7, 2026