In a significant legal development, an employee has taken legal action against a major city transit authority, alleging that a workplace accident has left him with severe and ongoing injuries. The complaint was filed by Danny Wilson on April 15, 2025, in the Circuit Court of Cook County, Illinois, targeting the Chicago Transit Authority (CTA) as the defendant.
The case revolves around an incident that occurred on October 30, 2016, when Wilson was performing his duties as a maintenance worker for CTA. While servicing a bus at the garage, he experienced a debilitating fall that resulted in severe back pain radiating down his right leg. According to Wilson's testimony and medical records presented in court, this accident caused significant injuries including herniated discs and radiculopathy. Despite receiving various treatments such as physical therapy and epidural injections, Wilson claims that his condition remains unresolved.
Wilson's legal team argues that the CTA failed to provide adequate support following the injury and prematurely terminated his benefits based on an incomplete medical evaluation. The plaintiff contends that the CTA's actions were unreasonable and vexatious, leading to financial strain due to unpaid temporary total disability (TTD) benefits. The Illinois Workers’ Compensation Commission reviewed these claims and found merit in Wilson’s assertions. They concluded that his ongoing medical issues are directly linked to the workplace accident and criticized CTA for relying on insufficient medical opinions to justify benefit termination.
Wilson is seeking compensation for unpaid TTD benefits from February 15 to May 30, 2017, as well as penalties for delayed payments totaling over $143,000. Additionally, he seeks wage differential benefits due to his inability to return to his previous role or earn comparable wages elsewhere. The commission has ordered CTA to pay significant penalties under sections 19(k) and 16 of the Workers' Compensation Act for their handling of Wilson’s claims.
Representing Danny Wilson is attorney Timothy Henderson from the Law Offices of Timothy Henderson. Elizabeth Meyer serves as counsel for the Chicago Transit Authority. The case is being overseen by Commissioner Raychel Wesley under Case ID: 2025L050225.