Field v. Rollins

These consolidated appeals arise from several unsuccessful actions of Gerson B. Field (plaintiff), an attorney, seeking to compel payment of attorney fees out of the so-called “Second Injury Fund” established by the Illinois Workers’ Compensation Act. Ill. Rev. Stat. 1985, ch. 48, par. 138.7(f).

H. B. Rollins, the employee whom plaintiff represented, was declared “totally and permanently disabled” and, therefore, entitled to receive $296 per week for life, as provided in paragraph 138.8(e)(18) of the Workers’ Compensation Act (the Act). (Ill. Rev. Stat. 1985, ch. 48, par. 138.8(e)(18).)…