Gerald D. Hines Interests v. Industrial Commission

Claimant, Patrick Heneghan, sought worker’s compensation benefits after injuring his shoulder and head while working for respondent, Gerald D. Hines Interests. An arbitrator awarded $445.34 per week for 35 weeks as temporary total disability benefits and found that the disabling condition had not yet reached a permanent condition. The Industrial Commission (Commission) affirmed that award, and the circuit court of Cook County confirmed the Commission’s decision. Hines appeals, contending that claimant fell while using an unsafe method to enter his work area merely because he was afraid to…