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 Donald Schufman vs. MWRDGC, Claim number 23WC26480, Illinois Workers’ Compensation Commission (IWCC), in the sum of $76,865.25, Account 901-30000-601090
Body
Dear Sir:
Donald Schufman is a Storekeeper at the O’Brien Water Reclamation Plant. On August 30, 2023, he reported that he was moving a fifty-pound box and felt a pop in his right shoulder. Mr. Schufman sought treatment at the Industrial Clinic on August 30, 2023, and was diagnosed with a right shoulder strain.
Mr. Schufman had an MRI in September 2023 revealing a high-grade partial thickness articular surface tear with a severe partial rear of the main rotator cuff and a smaller tear in the front rotator cuff, bicep tendon inflammation, and a labral tear. He had shoulder surgery on November 14, 2023 and was taken off work at that time. He returned to work on February 26, 2024.
Mr. Schufman was paid a total of 14.8 weeks of lost time benefits totaling $17,907.93.
Mr. Schufman 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 case can be settled for $76,865.25, representing approximately 15% loss of a person as a whole. This settlement will close out any 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 May 7, 2026