News

A federal judge refused to dismiss a class-action lawsuit alleging insurance companies unlawfully withheld interest on payments for services provided through workers' compensation. U.S. District Judge Nancy J. Rosenstengel of the Southern District of Illinois released her ruling on July 2. Dr. Michael Beatty of Edwardsville leads the class action against the various insurance companies, alleging violations of the Illinois…

The costly and controversial Illinois workers’ compensation system is on the verge of change after healthcare professionals urged amendments to senate bill 904 – the Illinois Workers’ Compensation Act. The Illinois State Medical Society (ISMS) and the Illinois Health and Hospital Association (IHA) requested three changes to SB 904 in order to address what they call in official IHA documents…

The U.S. Department of Labor’s Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) cited Manuel Gallardo, owner of Gallardo’s Construction Services, after inspectors observed employees exposed to fall hazards on six Chicago-area residential roofing projects between August and November 2017. The company faces $281,286 in proposed penalties. Manuel Gallardo, whose business is based in Palatine, was cited for four willful and three…

Federal safety officials have cited an Illinois pallet manufacturer for exposing employees unsafe levels of carbon monoxide in the workplace. The company faces proposed penalties totaling $216,253. The U.S. Department of Labor’s Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) cited Cleary Pallet Sales Inc., a Genoa, Illinois-based pallet manufacturer, after 10 employees required emergency medical treatment for carbon monoxide exposure. OSHA…

A Madison County couple who worked together sued Medline Industries Inc. on June 25 for retaliation and wrongful termination. Derek and Sharon Marshall filed the lawsuit in St. Clair County Circuit Court against the warehouse operator alleging violations of the Illinois Workers' Compensation Act. According to the complaint, a supervisor "made repeated and continued sexual advances" toward Sharon during her…

The widow and son of a Monroe County Jail officer murdered in 2005 will receive more than $275,000 in federal funds from the Public Safety Officer Benefits program. The payment was approved last week, seven years after the benefit claim was filed and 13 years after Sgt. Bill Brand was shot and killed. The funds will be used to provide…

Federal and state policymakers are implementing a variety of strategies to address inappropriate prescription use in the treatment of injured workers, and the damaging effects of increased opioid use for pain treatment. Inappropriate use of prescription drugs has a negative impact on patient health and returning to work. Patients often stay out of work longer than those with similar injuries…