Belleville, IL workers comp special section, Belleville News-Democrat

Workers' comp investigation

Workers' comp claims at Menard are being denied after arbitrator switch

A strategy of presenting old arguments to new arbitrators has resulted in a rarity at workers' compensation hearing sites in Southern Illinois -- a string of denials for repetitive trauma claims filed by guards and other employees of the Menard Correctional Center.

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Archive by category ''Workers' comp investigation

WORKERS' COMP INVESTIGATION

Illinois auditor blasts workers' comp system; lawmaker says word of 'free money' spread fast

The workers' compensation system that determines monetary awards for injured state employees has "numerous shortcomings," according to a report issued Wednesday by Illinois Auditor General William Holland.

31 days ago
WORKERS' COMP INVESTIGATION

Results of 50 nerve tests for Menard guards show majority of cases are 'mild'

Neurologists asked to review diagnostic nerve testing results on 50 Menard Correctional Center guards said 80 percent to 85 percent showed mild carpal tunnel syndrome of the wrist or cubital tunnel syndrome of the elbow unlikely to require surgery.

70 days ago
WORKERS' COMP INVESTIGATION

State gives workers' comp tests to BND

After a delay of 324 days, the Belleville News-Democrat on Wednesday received copies of 50 randomly selected nerve tests used to award workers' compensation disability settlements to guards at the Menard Correctional Center.

80 days ago
WORKERS' COMP INVESTIGATION

Judge's ruling clears way for workers' comp medical records release

A Cook County judge on Friday ruled that medical tests involving Menard Correctional Center guards who received disability settlements at taxpayers' expense must be turned over to the public.

127 days ago
WORKERS' COMP INVESTIGATION

Arbitrators awarded millions of dollars, but ignored state experts in workers' comp cases

Former workers' compensation arbitrators awarded millions of taxpayer dollars to prison guards for arm and wrist injuries but ignored testimony of state medical experts who challenged these claims.

175 days ago
WORKERS' COMP INVESTIGATION

Judge: Records decision met time limit in workers compensation case

The public won a small victory Thursday in Cook County Court in a lawsuit that will determine whether a state agency must turn over medical test results connected to millions of dollars in workers' compensation awarded to guards at the Menard Correctional Center.

246 days ago
WORKERS' COMP INVESTIGATION

30 fired workers' comp arbitrators still getting paychecks

The Illinois Workers' Compensation Commission arbitrators fired July 1 remain on the job under a provision in the new law and continue to draw a paycheck.

256 days ago
WORKERS' COMP INVESTIGATION

Workers' comp lawyers: Disciplinary cases should be dropped

Three workers' compensation lawyers and one arbitrator have filed responses to the disciplinary cases filed against them.

285 days ago
WORKERS' COMP INVESTIGATION

'She begged to go to work': Woman couldn't get a state job after ruling by workers comp commission

After she underwent surgery to relieve symptoms of repetitive trauma, Judith Lehman could no longer work as a court stenographer, a job she had for 25 years.

301 days ago
WORKERS' COMP INVESTIGATION

Judge says arbitrators have no case to prevent their removal as part of state reform

A federal judge has denied a motion brought by five Illinois Workers' Compensation Commission arbitrators to prevent their removal by Gov. Pat Quinn as part of a statewide reform package.

302 days ago