Matt Belcher NBC interview regarding Blagojevich arrest
Matt Belcher takes on Chicago Police Dept misconduct
jurist.law Corrupt Chicago machine cannot be curbed without Fitzgerald
remaining US Attorney
By JURIST
December 29, 2008
Matt Belcher [Belcher Law Office, Chicago]: "If it weren't so gallingly embarrassing to the city of Big Shoulders, I would just laugh off the (alleged) Blagojevich exploits as another operatic example of the machine politics of the "Chicago way." For those of you not versed in the "Chicago way" please take note that it is very much like the "Alaska way," the "New Orleans way," the "Detroit way," - but with a homozygous, inbred twist.
While Alaska has had a better part of 10 scandals (including the conviction of a sitting U.S. Senator), Chicago is unique because of the Obama factor. Just when the bright lights of fame and fortune start to shine upon the glory that is Chicago, out scurry some cockroaches to contaminate our floor. Before the green grass splendor of our beloved Grant Park has even re-sprouted from the trampling, historic celebration of the Obama victory party, out into the open air comes another dirty family secret. Much like the Union Stockyards of the olden days (think Upton Sinclair's "The Jungle") there is a stench in the air that Chicago residents can't even smell anymore.
While Blagojevich was little known outside of Illinois, he has been involved in the Chicago machine at least since 1996; the year he was essentially "slated" by his father-in-law, 30-year veteran Alderman Dick Mell, to be the next U.S. Representative of the 5th Illinois Congressional District.
"5th Congressional District"...why does that sound familiar, you ask? Well that is the current Congressional seat of Rahm Emanuel, who had taken over the 5th District seat from Blagojevich, after Blagojevich was elected Governor. It's also the same seat occupied by Dan Rostenkowski until 1995. Yes, that Dan Rostenkowski...of the Oxford Federal Correctional Institution Rostenkowskis.
And who preceded Blagojevich as Governor of Illinois? Well that would be George Ryan. You know - of the Terre Haute Federal Correctional Institution Ryans.
And the Attorney General of the State of Illinois? The one whose legal strategy to have the Governor declared "incompetent" was summarily dismissed by the Illinois Supreme Court (but managed to get her plenty of face time on the Sunday Morning news circuit) – that would be Lisa Madigan. Madigan happens to be daughter of Mike Madigan, the Speaker of the Illinois House of Representatives and Chairman of the Democratic Party of Illinois, who (allegedly) delayed the Illinois impeachment process to give the AG's office a shot at publicity before the Supreme Court. Lisa Madigan is planning her next run for higher office, whether for Governor or U.S. Senate.
And what about Senate Candidate 5? The one (allegedly) whose emissaries offered Blagojevich up to a million dollars for Obama’s U.S. Senate seat? ABC news says that it appears to be none other than Jesse Jackson, Jr. The same Jessie Jackson, Jr. who is the brother of the Chicago Anheuser-Busch Distributor Yousaf Jackson, the son of the Rev. Jesse Jackson and the wife of Chicago's 7th ward Alderman Sandi Jackson. Jessie Jackson, much like Lisa Madigan and Rod Blagojevich before him, became the Democratically slated candidate for 2nd U.S. Congressional District in 1995 and he continues in that office today.
Jesse Jackson, Jr. replaced Mel Reynolds in the 2nd Congressional District after Reynolds was indicted for sexual assault and criminal sexual abuse with an underage campaign volunteer. Despite the indictment, Reynolds was reelected in November 1994 but resigned his seat in 1995 after being convicted on 12 counts of sexual assault, obstruction of justice and solicitation of child pornography.
So what to make of all this?
This inbred, interdependent and yet internecine "machine" hands out favors, holds personal vendettas, renders quids with quos like a pro and generally disregards, destroys or disassembles anything except that which makes the machine stronger.
The only possible solution to "terminate" the machine is someone who is not beholden to, related to, friends with, associated with or otherwise contaminated by the machine. On October 24, 2001, the nomination of a candidate for U.S. Attorney for the Northern District of Illinois was confirmed by the Senate. The Senator who nominated the candidate urged the selection principally because the candidate was not from Chicago. The candidate was a Harvard law school graduate from Brooklyn whose previous relationship with Chicago consisted of a one-day visit for a wedding in 1982. The citizens of Chicago appreciate that U.S. Attorneys serve at the appointment of the President. The citizens of Chicago realize that U.S. Attorneys offer their resignations when a new President takes office.
However, I submit to you as a loyal Obama contributor of money, time and moral support that Patrick Fitzgerald's resignation should not, cannot, and must not be accepted if we are ever to rid Chicago of the machine politics of old - and give this great city and the nation the "change" we need to believe in.
So please join me by spreading the news - the citizens of Chicago want and need Pat Fitzgerald to stay and finish the job!"
Case Study
Same client - two different results: Before and after the client hired the Belcher Law Office.
First, the offer to settle his case before he hired Belcher Law Office
and second, the settlement of his case after he hired Belcher Law Office.
chicagotribune.com Woman raped by cop agrees to settle suit with City of Chicago Police officer sentenced last month to 25 years in prison for sex assault
By Angela Rozas and Gary Washburn
February 26, 2008
A woman raped by a Chicago police sergeant tentatively settled a federal lawsuit against the City of Chicago for more than $1 million, sources said Tuesday.
John Herman, 42, was sentenced last month to 25 years in prison by a Cook County Criminal Court judge who found him guilty of aggravated criminal sexual assault, aggravated kidnapping and official misconduct. DNA evidence tied him to the 2004 sexual assault. He contended the sex was consensual.
The woman, listed in court documents as "Jane Doe," sued the city and Herman, contending that her civil rights were violated. Prosecutors said Herman picked up the woman while he was on-duty and drove her to her home to retrieve her identification. Prosecutors said he raped her and used his police baton in the assault. The victim is now 42 and lives in Texas.
The woman's attorneys, Benjamin Nwoye and Matthew Belcher, said she has tentatively agreed to a settlement recommended by the federal judge presiding over the case. The lawyers, however, declined to discuss the amount publicly because the City Council needs to approve the settlement.
One source who spoke on condition of anonymity said the settlement called for the city to pay more than $1 million. A City Hall source put the settlement at $1.5 million.
"Our client is excited to move on with her life," Nwoye said. "We hope this is a wake-up call for the . . . Police Department that they will do whatever it takes to ensure what happened to our client . . . will never happen again."
Belcher said that although they were not "completely satisfied" with the amount of money, they felt it was best to settle in order to avoid a lengthy trial process and the trauma of the woman having to testify again about the attack. Belcher said the settlement was an important one for the department and the city, one he hoped would result in more reform.
"This takes it outside of the realm of the individual, bad, lone officer who's a bad apple and makes the whole system appear to be bad," Belcher said. "I think the City of Chicago has taken steps forward to correct that. However, if they don't complete the process, we will be back in this situation again."
As part of the settlement, the woman dropped from the suit two other police officers who the woman alleged humiliated her when they took her back to her home the night she reported the assault and made her re-enact it.
In December the judge who convicted Herman at the criminal trial said his testimony that he and the woman, an admitted past drug user, had consensual sex was bordering on "perjury."
Two police detectives had testified on Herman's behalf, including one who claimed that the woman solicited a bribe to drop the case. Judge Joseph Claps said he did not believe the officers' testimony, criticizing it as "unreasonable."
Chicago police said they were conducting an internal investigation into the actions and testimony of one of the officers, Detective Constance Besteda. The other detective who testified retired.
A police spokeswoman pointed out that the department brought Herman's case to the state's attorney's office for charging.
CHICAGO; A Chicago police officer is convicted of sexually assaulting a woman inside her home three-and-a-half years ago.
The judge stood up in his courtroom as he announced his verdict Against Sergeant John Herman, calling his testimony in this case "nothing short of perjury."
The judge also called into question the testimony of two police officers who had testified on Herman's behalf.
This was a bench trial, and the judge had to determine who to believe - a Chicago police sergeant with 20 years on the force or a woman with a history of drug abuse. Both took the stand. Ultimately, it was the sergeant's own words that sank his credibility. During his trial, Herman testified that the only sex he had with his "sex friend" was consensual and that she later cried rape because she was a crack addict, angling for money.
"It doesn't matter if you're addicted to crack. You don't get to be raped by a Chicago police sergeant. So it was coming down to her versus the Chicago police sergeant. When he took that stand, I believe he lied," said Kimellen Chamberlain, asst. state's attorney.
That is also what the judge believed. Judge Joseph Claps stood behind his bench Monday afternoon and called Herman's testimony "unreasonable." He then found the 20-year police officer guilty of rape, kidnapping and official misconduct. Herman grimaced, took a deep breath and bowed his head. He appeared stunned when the judge immediately revoked his bond. Deputies then walked Herman out of the courtroom and into custody.
"He is shocked. I told him I would see him over at the jail. We would go over the issues that are apparent to me for purposes of appeal," said Herman's attorney, Peter Hickey.
The judge said despite some minor inconsistencies, he believed Herman's accuser, whose claim was bolstered by DNA evidence.
"I think she has to be relieved. She has to have a renewed sense of faith in the justice system," said Matthew Belcher, victim's attorney.
Judge Claps also rebuked two Chicago police detectives who took the stand on Herman's behalf. Claps called their testimony unbelievable and said, "I will be sending a copy of their testimony to the superintendent of police for review."
The rape occurred in 2004, while Sgt. Herman was on duty. Herman and the city of Chicago are being sued in federal court.
"While we are very, very grateful to the judge for his remarks, we also know the way the Chicago police department was," said Ben Nwoye, victim's attorney.
That civil case is scheduled to begin in February in federal court. It presents the possibility of yet another financial judgment against the city for an action by a police officer. As for the two detectives whose testimony in the case was rejected by the judge as being unbelievable and incredible, the police department says it will investigate their testimony and their actions in the case.
Herman is no longer being paid. He is now behind bars and looking minimally at 18 years in prison, which is about the length of time he was on the force.
August 26, 2006 By STEVE PATTERSON Staff Reporter For the second time in three months, a DuPage County gynecologist will pay a sizable sum to a patient who says her internal injuries were caused by his negligence.
Dr. Taek Kim will pay $950,000 to a Naperville woman who said she had asked him to check her for ovarian cysts and he drilled into her ovaries and performed other procedures that continue to cause her pain.
The settlement comes three months after a jury ordered Dr. Kim to pay a DuPage County woman $5 million for negligence she says caused damage to her vagina that will prevent her from ever making love to her husband.
In the most recent case, the Naperville woman -- who asked not to be identified -- says her operation also left her unable to have intercourse. She said her husband has since left her and filed for divorce.
"Her whole marriage has completely fallen apart," said her attorney, Matthew Belcher. "It's a sad, sad story."
Dr. Kim's attorney said the woman had other medical and marital issues that have caused her problems, insisting Dr. Kim did nothing wrong.
"He just didn't feel, emotionally, that he could go through another trial and risk his personal assets again," attorney Robert L. Larsen said of the settlement, which will be covered by insurance.
'All kinds of pain'
Larsen said the Naperville woman was "a fairly demanding patient" whom Dr. Kim treated for earlier problems.
But Belcher said she went into Dr. Kim's Downers Grove clinic for "a simple procedure" and went through an unnecessary procedure that he billed her insurance to perform.
After the drilling of her ovaries, she complained of pain, and Dr. Kim told her further surgery was needed, this time on her uterus to correct its position.
"He pulled it back and sewed it into place, but he also entrapped several nerve endings, leaving her in all kinds of pain," Belcher said.
May 28, 2006 ...Court records show more than a dozen malpractice cases filed against Kim in Cook and DuPage counties, including a case attorney Matthew Belcher said made it "impossible" for his client "to have intercourse because of the pain" after a surgery Kim performed.
State records show no action against Kim, but officials said the $5 million verdict against him will trigger a state investigation.
That verdict, and knowing the state will look into the allegations, give some hope to the couple, Hurst said.
"When she talks about things in the past, you can still see the twinkle in her eye and how much fun they used to have together," Hurst said. "But then, you see the misery as they talk about this and how it has just overwhelmed their lives."
Contributing: Dan Rozek
Attorney Matthew Belcher represents clients in work injuries, medical malpractice and personal injuries cases
The information below provides a good summary as to recent changes
to the Illinois Workers’ Compensation Act. If you have an injury after February 1, 2006your case will be handled differently than if you are injured before February 1, 2006. In addition, some new laws immediately change the way that cases are handled at the Illinois Workers’ Compensation Commission. Because of the new changes in the law, if you are looking for a workers’ compensation lawyer in Illinois, make sure that the attorney you hire focuses their practice on representing injured workers so you can be assured that they are as up to date as possible on the new laws.
On July 20, 2005, Governor Rod R. Blagojevich signed HB 2137 (Public Act 94-0277), amending the Workers' Compensation Act and Workers' Occupational Diseases Act. A summary of the bill’s provisions follows. To read the complete bill, click on the following link: http://www.ilga.gov/legislation/publicacts/94/094-0277.htm
Medical Fee Schedule Established
Medical Fee Schedule – New Section 8.2 of the Act requires the Commission to establish a medical fee schedule effective February 1, 2006. The maximum allowable payment for medical treatment and procedures covered under Section 8(a) of the Act shall be the lesser of the health care provider's actual charges or the fee set by the schedule. The fee schedule will set fees at 90% of the 80th percentile of actual charges within a geographic area based on geozip (a geographic area with the same first three digits of a zip code), utilizing information contained in employers' and insurers' national databases. The fee schedule will be adjusted yearly based on percentage changes to the Consumer Price Index.
Effective Date: February 1, 2006
Workers' Compensation Medical Fee Advisory Board – New Section 8.3 of the Act creates a Workers' Compensation Medical Fee Advisory Board to advise the Commission on the establishment of fees for medical services and accessibility of medical treatment. The Board consists of 9 members appointed by the Governor with the advice and consent of the Senate. Of the 9 members, 3 represent the employee class, 3 represent the employer class and 3 represent the medical provider class. Each member serves for a 4-year term and continues to serve until a successor is appointed.
Effective Date: Effective immediately
Report to Governor and General Assembly – New Section 8.2 (g) of the Act provides that on or before January 1, 2010 the Commission shall provide to the Governor and General Assembly a report regarding the implementation of the medical fee schedule and the index used for the annual adjustment to the schedule.
Effective Date: Report due on or before January 1, 2010.
Utilization Review Program Established
Utilization review – New Section 8.7 of the Act provides that an employer may engage in utilization review to evaluate the quality and medical necessity of proposed or provided health care services and sets forth requirements for a utilization review program. Any person conducting a utilization review program for workers' compensation must register with the Department of Financial and Professional Regulation once every 2 years and certify compliance with Workers' Compensation Utilization Management standards or Health Utilization Management Standards of URAC sufficient to achieve URAC accreditation or submit evidence of accreditation by URAC (or an alternative standard certified by the Secretary of Financial and Professional Regulation).
The Commission will consider utilization review, along with all other evidence and in the same manner as all other evidence, in the determination of the reasonableness and necessity of the medical bills or treatment. When an employer denies payment or refuses to authorize medical services, if that denial or refusal complies with a registered utilization review program that complies with all requirements under Section 8.7 there shall be a rebuttable presumption that the employer shall not be responsible for payment of additional compensation under Section 19(k) of the Act. If the denial or refusal does not comply with a utilization review program registered under Section 8.7 and does not comply with other requirements of Section 8.7, then that will be considered by the Commission, along with all other evidence and in the same manner as all other evidence, in the determination of whether employer is responsible for the payment of additional compensation under Section 19(k) of the Act.
Effective Date: Effective immediately Matthew Belcher represents clients in worke injuries, medical malpractice and presonal injuries cases. Attorney Matthew J. Belcher - Serious injuries need serious lawyers. Balance Billing Prohibited
Employer to pay charges directly to provider within 60 days – New Section 8.2(d) of the Act provides that when an employee notifies a medical provider that the treatment or service is for a work-related injury, the provider shall bill the employer directly. If the employer does not dispute payment of first aid, medical, surgical, or hospital services, Section 8(a) provides that the employer shall make payment directly to the provider on behalf of the employee. The employer is required to pay the bill within 60 days of receipt of the bill as long as the claim contains substantially all the required data elements necessary to adjudicate the bills. Unpaid bills incur interest at a rate of 1% per month payable to the provider. A provider cannot hold an employee liable for costs related to non-disputed services for a compensable injury and shall not bill or attempt to recover from the employee the difference between the provider's charge and the amount paid by the employer or insurer on a compensable injury.
Provider prohibited from seeking payment of bills from employee while claim is pending – New Section 8.2(e) (5-20) of the Act provides a provider may seek payment of the actual charges from the employee if the employer notifies a provider that it does not consider the illness or injury to be compensable. If an employer notifies a provider that it will pay only a portion of a bill, the provider may seek payment of the unpaid portion from the employee up to the lesser of the actual charge, the negotiated rate, or the rate in the fee schedule.
If an employee informs the provider that a claim is on file at the Commission, the provider must cease all efforts to collect payment from the employee. Any statute of limitations or statute of repose applicable to the provider's efforts to collect from the employee is tolled from the date that the employee files the application with the Commission until the date that the provider is permitted to resume collection.
While the claim at the Commission is pending, the provider may mail the employee reminders that the employee will be responsible for payment of the bill when the provider is able to resume collection efforts. The provider may request information about the Commission claim and if the employee fails to respond or provide the information within 90 days, the provider is entitled to resume collection efforts and the employee is responsible for payment of the bills. The reminders shall not be provided to any credit agency.
Upon final award or settlement, a provider may resume efforts to collect payment from the employee and the employee shall be responsible for payment of any outstanding bills plus interest awarded. If the service is found compensable, the provider shall not require a payment rate, excluding interest, greater than the lesser of the actual charge or payment level set by the Commission in the fee schedule. The employee is responsible for payment for services found not covered or compensable unless agreed otherwise by the provider and employee. Services not covered or not compensable are not subject to the fee schedule.
If a provider is informed that the employee participates in a group health plan, the provider may submit the claim for services to the group plan. If the services are covered by the plan, the employee's responsibility is limited to applicable deductibles, co-payments or co-insurance.
Effective Date: Immediately
Benefits Increased and Changed
Burial expense – Section 7(f) of the Act is amended to increase the burial expense from $4,200 to $8,000. Effective Date: Accidental injuries or diseases that occur on or after February 1, 2006
Increase in maximum death benefit – Section 8(b) 4.2 of the Act is amended to increase the maximum death benefit under Section 7 of the Act from the greater of $250,000 or 20 years to the greater of $500,000 or 25 years. Effective Date: Accidental injuries or diseases that occur on or after February 1, 2006
Increase in minimum compensation rates – Section 8(b) of the Act is amended to increase the minimum rate for TTD and PPD to 66 2/3% of the sum of the Federal minimum wage or the Illinois minimum wage, whichever is higher, multiplied by 40 hours. The percentage rate shall be increased by 10% for each spouse and child, not to exceed 100% of the total minimum wage calculation. The TTD or PPD rate shall not exceed the employee's average weekly wage.
As of 2/1/06, the Illinois minimum wage of $6.50 per hour will apply.
Base rate: $6.50 X 40 = $260 Single person: $260 X 66 2/3% = $173.32 Person with 1 dependent: $260 X 76 2/3% = $199.32 Person with 2 dependents: $260 X 86 2/3% = $225.32 Person with 3 dependents: $260 X 96 2/3% = $251.32 Person with 4+ dependents: $260 (100% of calculation)
Section 8(b) 4.1 of the Act is amended to increase the minimum rate for the amputation of a member or enucleation of an eye under Section 8(e) to 50% of the statewide average weekly wage.
Effective Date: Accidental injuries or diseases that occur on or after February 1, 2006
Increase in the maximum rate for 8(d)(1) wage differentials – Section 8(b) of the Act is amended to provide that the maximum rate for a wage differential award under Section 8(d)(1) is 100% of the statewide average weekly wage.
Effective Date: Accidental injuries or diseases that occur on or after February 1, 2006
Temporary Partial Disability benefits defined – Section 8(a) of the Act is amended to provide that when an employee is working light duty on a part-time basis or full-time basis and earns less than he or she would be earning if employed in the full capacity of the job or jobs, the employee shall be entitled to temporary partial disability (TPD) benefits. TPD shall be paid at two-thirds of the difference between the average amount that the employee would be able to earn in the full performance of his or her duties in the occupation in which he or she was engaged at the time of the accident and the net amount which he or she is earning in the modified job for the employer or in any other job that the employee is working.
Effective Date: Accidental injuries or diseases that occur on or after February 1, 2006
Maintenance benefits defined – Section 8(a) of the Act is amended to provide that the maintenance benefit for vocational rehabilitation shall not be less than the employee’s temporary total disability rate. Maintenance shall also include costs and expenses incidental to the vocational rehabilitation program.
Effective Date: Accidental injuries or diseases that occur on or after February 1, 2006
Increase in the maximum weeks for disfigurement and specific loss of scheduled body parts – Section 8(c) of the Act is amended to increase the maximum number of weeks for disfigurement from 150 weeks to 162 weeks.
Section 8(e) of the Act is amended to increase the maximum number of weeks payable as follows: Thumb: from 70 weeks to 76 weeks First, or index finger: from 40 weeks to 43 weeks Second, or middle finger: from 35 weeks to 38 weeks Third, or ring finger: from 25 weeks to 27 weeks Fourth, or little finger: from 20 weeks to 22 weeks Great toe: from 35 weeks to 38 weeks Each toe other than the great toe: from 12 weeks to13 weeks Hand: from 190 weeks to 205 weeks Arm: from 235 weeks to 253 weeks Amputation above elbow: from 15 additional weeks to 17 additional weeks Amputation at shoulder joint: from 65 additional weeks to 70 additional weeks Foot: from 155 weeks to 167 weeks Leg: from 200 weeks to 215 weeks Amputation at leg above knee: from 25 additional weeks to 27 additional weeks Amputation at hip joint: from 75 additional weeks to 81 additional weeks Eye: from 150 weeks to 162 weeks Enucleation: from 10 additional weeks to 11 additional weeks Hearing Loss: One ear: from 50 weeks to 54 weeks (Workers' Compensation Act) Both ears: from 200 weeks to 215 weeks Testicle: from 50 weeks to 54 weeks Both testicles: from 150 weeks to 162 weeks
Effective Date: HB2137 does not list an effective date for these increases; therefore, they become effective immediately for accidents occurring on or after 7/20/05. However, it is anticipated that as a result of the agreed bill process in November 2005 the Act will be amended to define these increases as becoming effective on February 1, 2006.
Vocational Rehabilitation Certification Required
Vocational rehabilitation certification – Section 8(a) of the Act is amended to provide that any vocational rehabilitation counselor who provides services under the Act shall have appropriate certifications that designate he or she is qualified to render opinions relating to vocational rehabilitation. Vocational rehabilitation may include, but is not limited to, counseling for job searches, supervising a job search program, and vocational retraining, including education at an accredited learning institution. The employee or the employer may petition the Commission to decide disputes relating to vocational rehabilitation, including the payment of the vocational rehabilitation program by the employer.
Effective Date: Accidental injuries or diseases that occur on or after February 1, 2006
Rate Adjustment Fund and Benefits Altered
Rate Adjustment Fund assessment increased – Section 7(f) of the Act is amended to increase the assessment rate for employers' contributions to the Rate Adjustment Fund from three-fourths of 1% to 1%. The Commission's borrowing authority from the General Revenue Fund is increased from $15,000,000 to $19,000,000.
Effective Date: Effective immediately
Employer to begin paying the annual rate adjustments in death and permanent total disability cases – Section 8(g) of the Act is amended to provide that for accidents occurring after the effective date of the Act, the employer shall pay the annual adjustments to the employee's or dependent's compensation rate in awards of death or permanent total disability. (The Rate Adjustment Fund will continue to pay the rate increases in cases in which the accident occurred before the effective date of the Act.)
Effective Date: Accidental injuries or diseases that occur after July 20, 2005
Commission Process Expedited
Commission panel added – Section 13 of the Act is amended to increase the Commission from 7 to 10 members. Of the 10 members, 3 represent the employer class, 3 represent the employee class and 4, including the chairman, represent the public class. Not more than 6 members can be of the same political party. In the promulgation of procedur l rules, the determination of cases heard en banc, and other matters determined by the full Commission, the chairman's vote shall break a tie in the event of a tie vote. Of the 3 additional members, l shall be appointed to a term ending on the third Monday in January 2007 and 2 to a term ending on the third Monday in January 2009.
Due to the increase in the Commission to 10 members, Section 19(e) of the Act is amended to increase from 5 to 7 the number of commissioners necessary to determine that oral argument should be heard en banc. Section 14 of the Act is also amended to increase from 5 to 8 the number of votes necessary to not reappoint an arbitrator to a subsequent 6-year term upon a recommendation by the chairman.
Effective Date: Effective immediately
Expedited hearings – Section 19(b) of the Act is amended to provide for an expedited arbitration hearing at the request of an employee who is not receiving or has not received TTD, TPD, medical, vocational rehabilitation, maintenance, or other benefits, regardless of whether the employee is working.
An employer may request an expedited hearing on the issue of whether the employee is entitled to such benefits as long as the employer continues to pay compensation to the employee until a decision is rendered that the employee is not entitled to benefits or has been released to return to work by the treating physician or has returned to work.
An insurance carrier, self-insured or group self-insured may also request an expedited hearing if 2 or more carriers, self-insureds, or group self-insureds dispute coverage for the same injury if all benefits are being paid to the employee and the issue of coverage is the only issue in dispute.
Neither the employer nor employee is entitled to an expedited hearing where the employee has returned to work and the only benefit in dispute amounts to less than 12 weeks of TTD.
A copy of the Application for Adjustment of Claim shall be attached to the notice for an expedited hearing. The Commission is required to file its decision on review of an expedited hearing no later than 180 days from the date the Petition for Review is filed.
Effective Date: Effective immediately
Arbitrator decisions to include findings of fact if requested by a party - Section 19(b) of the Act is amended to provide that arbitrator decisions will include findings of fact and conclusions of law if requested by a party.
Effective Date: Effective immediately
Certified treating records, reports, and bills admissible – Section 16 of the Act is amended to provide that in addition to certified hospital records, certified reports, records and bills of a treating physician or other healthcare provider that renders treatment to the employee as the result of accidental injuries shall be admissible without any further proof. Records, reports, and bills received as a result of a subpoena are presumed to be certified.
Effective Date: Effective immediately
Employer to deliver employee expenses with notice of Section 12 examination – Section 12 of the Act is amended to require the employer to include payment of the employee's travel expenses with the notice to the employee of the time and place of the examination.
Effective Date: Effective immediately
Time to file for review 8(d)(1) award based on change in disability increased – Section 19(h) of the Act is amended to provide that a petition to review an award on the grounds that the disability has subsequently recurred, increased, diminished or ended is increased from 30 months to 60 months in the case of an award under Section 8(d)(1). Effective Date: Accidental injuries or diseases that occur on or after February 1, 2006
Penalties Increased
19(k) Penalties determination – Section 19(k) of the Act is amended to provide that in determining penalties, the Commission shall consider whether an arbitrator has determined that the claim is not compensable or whether the employer has made payments under Section 8(j).
Effective Date: Accidental injuries or diseases that occur on or after February 1, 2006
19(l) Penalties increased – Section 19(l) of the Act is amended to provide for an increase in the penalty for unreasonable delay of the payment of TTD benefits, and medical benefits, from $10 a day to $30 a day and from a maximum of $2,500 to a maximum of $10,000.
Section 19(l) also adds the provision that if the employee has made written demand for payment of benefits under Sections 8(a) or 8(b), the employer shall have 14 days after receipt of the demand to provide a written reason for the delay. If the demand is for medical benefits, the time for the employer to respond does not begin until the expiration of the 60-day period allotted the employer to pay medical bills under Section 8.2.
Effective Date: Accidental injuries or diseases that occur on or after February 1, 2006
Workers' Compensation Advisory Board reconstituted – Section 13.1 of the Act is amended to increase the Workers' Compensation Advisory Board from 9 members to 12 members; 6 represent the employee class, 6 represent the employer class, and the chairman of the Workers' Compensation Commission serves as the ex-officio chairman of the Board. Members of theBoard serve for 4-year terms until their successors are appointed and qualified. Prior to making
appointments to the Commission, the governor shall request that the Advisory Board make recommendations as to candidates to consider for appointment and the Board may then make such recommendations.
Effective Date: Effective immediately
Workers' Compensation Fraud Statute Established
Criminal penalties for workers' compensation fraud; establishes a fraud and insurance non-compliance investigatory unit - New Sections 25.5 (a) through (g) of the Act set forth fraud provisions and the penalties for violating those provisions. Any person, company, corporation, insurance carrier, healthcare provider, or any other entity that violates any of the fraud provisions is guilty of a Class 4 felony and must pay complete restitution in addition to any fine imposed. A unit is established within the Division of Insurance of the Department of Financial and Professional Regulation to investigate violations of the fraud and insurance non-compliance provisions of Section 25.5. Effective Date: Effective immediately
Benefit ineligibility – Subsection (f) of Section 25.5 of the Act provides that any person convicted of fraud shall be subject to penalties in the criminal code and shall be ineligible to receive or retain compensation benefits if they were owed or received as the result of the fraud for which the recipient was convicted. Effective Date: Applies to accidents that occur on or after July 20, 2005
Civil liability – Subsection (g) of Section 25.5 of the Act provides that any person convicted of fraud who knowingly obtains, attempts to obtain, or causes to be obtained any benefits by making a false claim or who knowingly misrepresents any material fact shall be civilly liable to the payor of benefits in an amount equal to 3 times the value of the benefits or insurance coverage wrongfully obtained or twice the value of the benefits or coverage attempted to be
obtained, plus reasonable attorney's fees and expenses incurred in bringing the claim.
Effective Date: Applies to accidents that occur on or after July 20, 2005
Insurance Non-Compliance Penalties Increased
Work-stop order – Section 4(d) of the Act is amended to provide that whenever a panel of 3 Commissioners (1 labor, 1 business and 1 public), with due process and after a hearing, finds that an employer knowingly failed to provide insurance coverage, the failure is deemed an immediate serious danger to public health, safety and welfare. The Commission may serve a work-stop order on the employer, requiring the cessation of all business operations at the employer's place of business or job site until the employer provides proof of insurance coverage. A work stop
order issued by the Commission is appealable to the Circuit Court.
Effective Date: Effective immediately
Criminal penalties for knowing failure to insure – Section 4(d) of the Act is amended to provide that an individual employer, corporate officer or director of a corporate employer (except a publicly owned corporation), partner of an employer partnership, or member of an employer limited liability company who knowingly fails to provide insurance coverage is guilty of a Class 4 felony. An employer, corporate officer or director (except a publicly owned corporation), partner or member of a limited liability company who negligently fails to provide insurance coverage is guilty of a Class A misdemeanor. Each day's violation constitutes a separate offense.
The criminal penalties shall not apply where there exists a good faith dispute as to the existence of an employment relationship. Evidence of good faith shall include, but not be limited to, compliance with the definition of employee as used by the Internal Revenue Service.
Effective Date: Effective immediately
Uninsured employer liable in civil action – Section 4(d) of the Act is amended to provide that an employer who knowingly fails to comply with the insurance coverage requirements of the Act is not entitled to the benefits of the Act during the period of non-compliance. An injured employee can pursue a civil action against the employer and the employer shall not avail itself of the defenses of assumption of risk or negligence or that the injury was due to a co-employee. In the civil action, proof of the injury shall constitute prima facie evidence of negligence on the part of the employer and the burden shall be upon the employer to show freedom of negligence resulting in the injury. The employee or the employee's dependents may, instead of proceeding in a civil action, file a claim with the Commission. All proceedings under subsection 4(d) are to be reported annually to the Workers' Compensation Advisory Board.
Effective Date: Effective immediately
Attorney General to bring Section 4(d) civil penalty case before Commission – Section 4(d) of the Act is amended to provide that upon investigation of the insurance non-compliance unit of the Commission, the Attorney General has the authority to prosecute employers to recover the civil penalties provided for in Section 4(d).
Effective Date: Effective immediately
Employer who transfers property to avoid payment of compensation guilty of Class 4 felony – Section 4(d) of the Act is amended to provide that an employer, corporate officer or director of a corporate employer or, partner of an employer partnership, or member of an employer limited liability company who knowingly transfers, sells, encumbers, assigns or in any manner disposes of, conceals, secretes, or destroys any property belonging to the employer, officer, director, partner, or member to avoid payment of compensation is guilty of a Class 4 felony.
Effective Date: Effective immediately
Fund Created to Pay Benefits to Injured Workers of Non-Compliant Employers
Injured Workers Benefit Fund – Section 4(d) of the Act is amended to create the Injured Workers' Benefit Fund consisting of penalties and fines collected under Section 4 (d). The fund is to be used to pay workers' compensation benefits to the injured employees of uninsured employers when those employers fail to pay. The fund disburses money annually after July 1, 2006 to claimants who have within the previous fiscal year obtained a final award for benefits against the employer and the Injured Workers' Benefit Fund, and who notify the Commission within 90 days of receipt of the final award. If there are insufficient moneys to pay all claims, each eligible claimant shall receive a pro-rata share, as determined by the Commission, of available moneys in the fund for that year. The State Treasurer, as ex-officio custodian of the fund, is required to be joined with the employer as a party respondent in the Application for Adjustment of Claim.
Effective Date: Effective immediately
Bond set for cop accused of sexual assault
by Jessica Young September 30, 2004
Bond was set at $275,000 Thursday for Chicago Police Sgt. John R. Herman, who is accused of sexually assaulting a woman in March while on duty.
Prosecutors say there is ample evidence that points to his guilt, including the officer's DNA on a condom and tissues at the crime scene and the woman's DNA on a police baton recovered from Herman's squad car. "The victim reported that he was in a white T-shirt and had a distinctive green tattoo of an eagle on his shoulder. Both of these were attributed to [Herman]," Assistant State's Attorney John Brady said. "She also later positively identified [Herman] in a lineup."
At a press conference, Chicago Police Superintendent Philip Cline said the department will move to suspend and fire Herman, who was arrested Thursday. "While many would say this is a bad day for police, I disagree," Cline said. "It says a lot for law enforcement whenever we can remove someone who has violated the trust of the community and his fellow officers and disgraced the star and uniform."
The incident, which occurred in the early morning of March 10, took place near the 7700 block of South Peoria Street while Herman was in uniform and on patrol in Chicago's 6th District, according to prosecutors. Herman, 39, allegedly approached the woman, 38, on the street and asked her for identification. When she said she did not have any on her, he allegedly threatened her with arrest unless she got into his squad car. Herman then drove the woman to her home under the guise of retrieving her identification, followed her upstairs to her bedroom, locked the door and forced her to take off her clothes, Brady said. Herman set down his gun and baton, undressed, and forced her to perform oral sex on him while penetrating her with his baton, according to prosecutors. Brady said Herman then put a condom on, forced her to have sexual intercourse and threatened to kill her if she told anyone about the incident.
Peter Hickey, Herman's attorney, said Herman is a dedicated officer of nearly 18 years who volunteered at Ground Zero in New York City and served his country for 12 years in Saudi Arabia, Iraq and Kuwait as a reservist. "He has ties to the community, and I've known him since he was 10," Hickey said to reporters. "He's an extraordinary man, and this has just devastated his family. Allegations have been made, but I have faith in our Chicago Police Department." Herman has six children ranging in age from 3 months to 20 years. He faces up to 30 years in prison if convicted of sexual assault and official misconduct charges.
The woman's attorneys, Matthew Belcher and Benjamin Nwoye, showed up at Herman's court appearance and told reporters that an officer offered her a bribe to forget the incident when she filed a complaint at the Gresham District Police Station.
"The officer told her Herman was married, his wife was pregnant and that he was a good guy, so the whole incident must have been a misunderstanding," Belcher said. "They offered her $5,000 to disappear."
Belcher said the woman was taken to the hospital from the police station, but officers later took her back to the crime scene and made her re-enact the crime.
"They made her bend over the bed on her hands and knees -- the whole nine yards," Belcher added.
Area 2 detectives, representatives from the Cook County State's Attorney's Office and police Internal Affairs investigators launched an investigation of the entire incident. But Cline said reporters' questions on Thursday first alerted him to the re-enactment, and he would look into it. According to Cline, Herman was found innocent in 1997 of sex charges involving his estranged wife. There was a delay in filing the current charges against Herman because of obstacles in getting a DNA sample from him, and the police department and State's Attorney's office "wanted to make sure we got it right," Cline said.
Cook County State's Attorney Richard Devine said he applauded the department's persistence. "Officers are given a level of authority to do the things they have to do, and when they violate that authority, we have to make it clear that they will be held accountable," he said. "These are serious charges. This was not an error of judgment in a difficult moment on the job."
