Plantation Manufacturing Co. v. Industrial Commission

Claimant, Maria Razo, sought benefits pursuant to the Workers’ Compensation Act (the Act) (820 ILCS 305/1 et seq. (West 1992)) for injuries sustained while in the employ of Plantation Manufacturing Company (Plantation). On August 21, 1985, Razo slipped on a wet floor and fell, injuring her back. She was ultimately diagnosed with a herniated disc. Her physician, Dr. Allan Minster, recommended lumbar surgery, but Razo declined. She did undergo a work hardening program and rehabilitation at Plantation’s expense. An arbitration hearing was held on February 9, 1988. The arbitrator found Razo to be…