312-425-3131
10 South LaSalle Street, Suite 900, Chicago, IL 60603
211 Landmark Drive, Suite C2, Normal, IL 61761
“Oh! What A Tangled Web”
January 2019
By: Farrah L. Hagan
Petitioners can often explain away film of them doing activities outside of their restrictions on just one occasion. The key to effectively using surveillance is to capture more than a single episode. Surveillance is most damning when it shows a pattern of exertion falling outside of existing physical limitations.
Once such surveillance is developed, its existence should be guarded against disclosure. Keeping it secure until trial is often the most effective way of impeaching petitioner’s credibility. Thus, think carefully before sending surveillance video to your IME doctor for review. If you do, you’ll have to turn it over to the petitioner’s attorney before the doctor’s testimony. Once film is in the hands of petitioner, he can inform his testimony accordingly and you can expect he will be ready with an explanation of his activity and how badly he felt afterwards.
New Legislation Allows More Comp Litigation 1.
December 2018
By: Francis M. Brady
Hornets! Nine hundred and four!
We scream as we race for the door.
Though the swarm's now arising
Is that really surprising?
Its nest had been built long before.
Medical care rendered after November 27, 2018, for work-related injuries, imposes additional responsibilities on Business. 2.
Previously, it was obligated to timely pay the cost of the worker's reasonable and necessary medical expenses pursuant to the pricing guidelines of the Illinois Fee Schedule. If it delayed payment, Business risked a proceeding by the worker under Section 8(a) of the Comp Act at the Illinois Workers' Compensation Commission to force payment of the bill's principal and interest, and possibly to collect penalties, including attorney's fees.
The Truth is Out There
December 2018
By: Mark F. Vizza
Curtis Linen claimed he hurt his right shoulder, lower back, and neck while driving a tractor-trailer for Marten Transportation on April 25, 2016. The version he gave of the trauma was that his rig had been stopped a short time when, suddenly, he felt a large jolt. The only other thing he recalled of the accident was getting out of his cab and seeing another truck which had been damaged. He was transported on an emergency basis to Edward Hospital where he was treated and released. The next day he underwent a blood test.
He didn’t treat for the injuries he associated with the vehicular accident until May 9, 2016. On that date, he presented to Illinois Ortho Network where physical therapy was prescribed for his neck, back, and right shoulder. He underwent the therapy from May 11, 2016 through August 23, 2016. His pain and limitation did not abate so his treating orthopedist, Dr. Giannoulias, recommended shoulder surgery. Throughout this time period, Linen was also being treated by a psychologist, Dr. Kelly, for mental disability he attributed to the April 25, 2016 accident.
Two Birds, One Stone: Simultaneously Concluding Work Comp and Civil Litigation
December 2018
By: Nicole L. Wiza and Jeffrey F. Clement
The Petitioner sustained eye injuries while laying carpet. Not only was he the sole employee of the Respondent company, he was its President. Defending against his attempt to recover Comp benefits, BCM obtained a copy of the Respondent’s workers’ comp insurance policy. Careful scrutiny confirmed petitioner was not protected. Specifically, he executed a form electing to opt out of coverage. BCM notified Petitioner’s attorney that the case would be fought in consideration of his client’s choice.
Counsel for Petitioner believed he would be able to argue in his client’s favor based on either an equitable remedy or by arguing the policy to be illusory. In other words, counsel thought it was “not fair” the Petitioner could pay premiums but not be covered for his injuries sustained at work. The issues counsel raised would require a Declaratory Judgment action in the law courts for their resolution.
Legislative Update
November 2018
By: Francis M. Brady
As a statutory remedy(1.), Illinois Workers’ Compensation practice can be shifted abruptly and drastically by the Illinois General Assembly. Examples of this particular feature include the implementation of a Fee Schedule in 2005 and the adoption of AMA Guidelines in 2011. By pushing buttons, literally, in Springfield, legislators fundamentally alter the operation of Work Comp in Illinois.
It behooves those interested in the Comp system to remain abreast of events in the State Capitol. Indeed, monitoring our Governor, Senators, and Representatives is critical to sustaining the rights of business. But as the vigil is kept, it becomes clear that those making the rules do not always have a solid grasp of what they are ruling on. That misapprehension can lead to unintended legislative outcomes.
Breaking the Chain of Causation: Blaming the Later Accident
November 2018
Hamm hurt his right arm on June 16, 2014. He hurt it again in two later job connected accidents, one on April 1, 2015 and the other on April 3, 2015. He filed three Applications, one for each loss date. The first was filed against “Pars” while the second and third named another employer, “Henkel.”
The cases were all consolidated and tried at the same time, with the Arbitrator concluding that Hamm’s right shoulder problems were causally linked to all three accidents. Accordingly, he apportioned TTD and the cost of medical care so that Pars and Henkel each paid a portion of the benefits awarded.
Chicago, IL 60603
Phone: 312-425-3131
Normal, IL 61761
Phone: 309-862-4914
© 2019 Brady, Connolly & Masuda, P.C. 10 South LaSalle Street, Suite 900, Chicago, IL 60603 312-425-3131
