Working as an order filler for a retail store, the petitioner was carrying two boxes when he tripped over stacked pallets and was flung forward over the pallets. He did not fall to the floor but he had torn all the skin off of his knee and his thumb was throbbing. He reported the incident to his supervisor but decided to try to work through the pain. After an hour, his back started to hurt as well as his neck. His supervisor sent him to Human Resources.
In Human Resources he was told he could not work again until he saw a doctor. When he returned to work he was placed on light duty. The petitioner saw at least three doctors during his treatment for injuries. One doctor had initially told the petitioner that his injuries were work related and he needed surgery. Later, after more information came to light the doctor told the petitioner that his injuries were not work related.
The first report, which was favorable to the petitioner was not produced until minutes before the other two doctors testified. Jill Wagner, the petitioner’s lawyer cited the Ghere objection which was sustained. The Ghere Objection held that the two other doctors should have been given access to the first doctor’s conflicting reports. The surprise and the disadvantage were unambiguous.
The respondent was ordered to pay reasonable and necessary medical services, and the petitioner was awarded temporary total disability benefits of $872.62/week for 143 weeks.
Read the full arbitrator decision below:
ILLINOIS WORKERS’ COMPENSATION COMMISSION
NOTICE OF 19 (b) ARBITRATOR DECISION
ALYINOVICH, JOHN Case# 13WC035422
Employee/Petitioner
BANNER WHOLESALE GROCERIES
Employer/Respondent
On 2/1/2017, an arbitration decision on this case was filed with the Illinois Workers’ Compensation Commission in Chicago, a copy of which is enclosed.
If the Commission reviews this award, interest of 0.62% shall accrue from the date listed above to the day before the date of payment; however, if an employee’s appeal, results in either no change or a decrease in this award, interest shall not accrue.
A copy of this decision is mailed to the following parties:
1067 ANKIN LAW OFFICE LLC
JILL WAGNER
10 N DEARBORN ST SUITE 500
CHICAGO, IL 60602
0210 GANAN & SHAPIRO PC
RON MARCH
210 W ILLINOIS ST
CHICAGO, IL 60654
