Inman & Fitzgibbons, Ltd. Expands to Minnesota

I&F is proud to announce that Partners Kristin Thomas and Allison Mecher had the honor of appearing (virtually) before Minnesota Supreme Court Justice Paul C. Thissen on July 21, 2020 to be sworn in to the Minnesota Bar. Allison and Kristin expand the firm’s practice to St. Paul, Minnesota, and will cover the entire state … Continue reading Inman & Fitzgibbons, Ltd. Expands to Minnesota

IL WC Update: Thorough Accident Investigation leads to ruling in Respondent’s favor at Circuit Court

In a case with exposure in excess of $150,000.00, I&F Attorney Frank Johnston prevailed in an appeal to the Circuit Court in defense of an alleged accident brought by a police officer. The Circuit Court agreed with the Arbitrator and Commission in finding that no accident took place. After years of litigation, Petitioner walked away … Continue reading IL WC Update: Thorough Accident Investigation leads to ruling in Respondent’s favor at Circuit Court

IL WC UPDATE: I&F Prevails where Petitioner found Not Credible

Partner Scott McCain recently secured a victory for a nationwide rental car company. The case involved a driver involved in a motor vehicle accident while working. For more  than two years after the accident, petitioner received extensive treatment for the right knee , including surgery, as well as conservative treatment for the right hip and … Continue reading IL WC UPDATE: I&F Prevails where Petitioner found Not Credible

I&F Prevails where Petitioner is Unable to Prove Blue Face Discoloration related to Explosion at Work

In light of recent events, I&F is happy to report a return to the OLD normal as we recently obtained a “no liability” arbitration decision following a trial involving a petitioner who alleged that he sustained permanent skin discoloration due to an accident at work.  In this case, the petitioner, a mechanic employed by the … Continue reading I&F Prevails where Petitioner is Unable to Prove Blue Face Discoloration related to Explosion at Work

Illinois WC Update: Agreement Reached regarding COVID-19 Rebuttable Presumption

According to the Illinois Manufacturer’s Association (IMA), a deal has been reached to address Covid-19’s impact on Illinois workers and the Illinois Workers’ Compensation Act. The proposed bill can be read in its entirety here, but here are a few of the salient points: Who: Covid-19 first-responders or front line workers meaning all individuals employed … Continue reading Illinois WC Update: Agreement Reached regarding COVID-19 Rebuttable Presumption

Ohio WC Law and COVID-19

Although the Ohio General Assembly has not yet expanded the law on occupational diseases, this much is certain: Ohio employers will face workers’ compensation claims based on a diagnosis of COVID-19. To establish a compensable case, a claimant must meet a three-factor test: The disease was contracted in the course of their employment;The disease is … Continue reading Ohio WC Law and COVID-19

IL WC Update: TRO Granted. IWCC Prohibited from Invoking Emergency COVID-19 Rules.

In follow up to our previous blog post regarding this matter, a hearing was held on April 23, 2020 before Judge John Madonia in Sangamon County on the Motion for a Temporary Restraining Order (TRO) filed by the Illinois Manufacturers Association and the Illinois Retail Merchants Association. On April 24, 2020, Judge Madonia granted the Motion … Continue reading IL WC Update: TRO Granted. IWCC Prohibited from Invoking Emergency COVID-19 Rules.

IL WC Update: Illinois Workers’ Compensation Commission Issues Updated Arbitration Procedures for May

The IWCC has issued the following update regarding Arbitration procedures for the month of May. MAY 2020SPECIAL CIRCUMSTANCEARBITRATION PROCEDURES a. Arbitrators will conduct May 2020 Arbitration Calls telephonically.b. A telephone call-in number and code will be posted on the Commission website.c. The times and dates for each of the Arbitration Calls will be posted on … Continue reading IL WC Update: Illinois Workers’ Compensation Commission Issues Updated Arbitration Procedures for May

Illinois Chamber of Commerce joins with Insurance Industry Groups to Oppose IWCC’s Emergency COVID19 Rules

Last evening, the Illinois Chamber of Commerce joined with The American Property Casualty Insurance Association, National Association of Mutual Insurance Companies,  Independent Insurance Agents of Illinois, and DRI to file an amicus brief in support of the temporary restraining order (TRO) that was filed yesterday. DRI is an association of defense attorneys and in-house counsel. The Amicus … Continue reading Illinois Chamber of Commerce joins with Insurance Industry Groups to Oppose IWCC’s Emergency COVID19 Rules

IL WC Update: Temporary Restraining Order Sought Regarding New COVID-19 Rules

Earlier today, the Illinois Manufacturers' Association and Illinois Retail Merchants Association filed a Motion for a Temporary Restraining Order and Preliminary Injunction in Circuit Court in Sangamon County against the Illinois Workers' Compensation Commission and Chairman M. Brennan seeking that the Court enjoin the Commission from invoking the Amendments in favor of or against any … Continue reading IL WC Update: Temporary Restraining Order Sought Regarding New COVID-19 Rules

IL Workers’ Compensation Commission issues additional Emergency COVID-19 Amended Rules

The Illinois Workers’ Compensation Commission conducted an emergency public hearing by telephone yesterday afternoon to discuss further amendments to the Rules Governing Practice, specifically Commission Rule 9030.70, which they had amended on an emergency basis 2 days prior.  The result of the revised emergency rule is that any covered Illinois employer, private, public for-profit or … Continue reading IL Workers’ Compensation Commission issues additional Emergency COVID-19 Amended Rules

IL Work Comp: IWCC Issues Updated Guidance on Operations

Based upon the continuing National Emergency and Worldwide Pandemic created by the COVID-19 virus, as well as the lack of technological resources, the Illinois Workers’ Compensation Commission must suspend regular operations during the month of April 2020. The Commission will continue all cases to their next regularly scheduled 90-day continuance date. Matters pending on the … Continue reading IL Work Comp: IWCC Issues Updated Guidance on Operations

COVID-19 Update from the Illinois Workers’ Compensation Commission

A message from the Illinois Workers' Compensation Commission: In light of the unprecedented severity of the COVID-19 (Coronavirus) pandemic, in the interests of health and safety, at the Monday March 16, 2020, meeting of the Workers’ Compensation Commission, Chairman Michael J. Brennan will be calling for a vote to suspend all normal in-person arbitration and … Continue reading COVID-19 Update from the Illinois Workers’ Compensation Commission

A Message from I&F Regarding COVID-19 / Coronavirus

The spread of COVID-19 has obviously raised significant issues for employers throughout the world. Employers face uncertainty around what they can and should do to promote the health and well-being of their workforce while navigating federal, state, and local regulations and while considering rapidly changing government warnings and restrictions. Although the current circumstances will likely … Continue reading A Message from I&F Regarding COVID-19 / Coronavirus

I&F Prevails in IL: Rolling Chair Found Not to be an Increased Risk

Inman & Fitzgibbons secured a “no liability” Arbitration Decision following a recent trial involving an employee who fell to the floor when a chair she went to sit on rolled out from under her. The employee was sitting onto the chair at a work station as she was picking up a telephone to take a … Continue reading I&F Prevails in IL: Rolling Chair Found Not to be an Increased Risk

IL WC Update: I&F Prevails by proving Petitioner filed his Claim after statute of limitations expired

In this case, Petitioner was injured in an accepted, but unfiled, accident in 2016 when he slipped on ice and fell while walking on the roof of Respondent’s building. Petitioner underwent appropriate medical treatment and was released to return to full duty work. The last medical or indemnity benefit paid on this case was February … Continue reading IL WC Update: I&F Prevails by proving Petitioner filed his Claim after statute of limitations expired