Articles From Michelle L. LaFayette

Taking the “headache” out of the settlement process By Michelle L. LaFayette Workers’ Compensation Law, September 2012 As part of the Commission’s judicial training program this past April, the author was invited to speak before the arbitrators and commissioners about settlements from the attorney’s perspective.
Alleviating the “headache” of the permanent total disability case By Michelle L. LaFayette Workers’ Compensation Law, December 2010 An overview of the permanent total disability claim and applicable legal standards.
Wallyball: A Section 11 “Recreational” Activity . . . not always By Michelle L. LaFayette Workers’ Compensation Law, December 2009 Webster’s New World Dictionary of American English defines the word “recreation” to mean “refreshment in body or mind, as after work, by some form of play, amusement or relaxation.” ... Recreational activities are therefore those that people use to escape from the pressures of work and everyday life to have fun and relax – exercise, organized sports, etc.
A tort plaintiff, but no defendant By Michelle L. LaFayette Workers’ Compensation Law, December 2007 To the workers’ compensation practitioner, it is well-established a worker can only seek compensation from his employer pursuant to the provisions of the Workers’ Compensation Act or the Occupational Diseases Act for injuries arising out of and in the course of his employment. See, 820 ILCS 305/1 et seq.
No causal connection for claimant, despite cracked helmet By Michelle L. LaFayette Workers’ Compensation Law, September 2006 In this Rule 23 decision, the Illinois Appellate Court held that a herniated disc was not causally connected to claimant’s work accident based upon a normal CT scan, unrestricted cervical range of motion, considerable gaps in medical care and treatment, and extended performance of full-duty activities.
Credibility “defies logic” By Michelle L. LaFayette Workers’ Compensation Law, June 2005 In Chicago Messenger Service v. Industrial Commission, 826 N.E.2d 1037; 292 Ill.Dec. 601 (2005), the Appellate Court, First District, reversed the Commission's finding the claimant provided an injury from an accident arising out of and in the course of employment.

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