Tomaso and Drinkwine Secure Victory in Workers’ Compensation Case After Prolonged Legal Battle

Tomaso and Drinkwine achieved a significant victory in a protracted effort to uphold a 2021 Commission Decision terminating workers’ compensation benefits after the employee failed to return to work. Toney Tomaso, of Heyl Royster’s Champaign/Edwardsville Offices, successfully argued before the Commission that the Petitioner’s benefits were properly terminated for failure to report for light-duty work within his restrictions, though the Circuit Court of Madison County initially reversed the Commission’s decision.

Christopher Drinkwine, from the Rockford Office, twice brought the case to the Appellate Court, ultimately securing a reversal of the Circuit Court’s judgment and reinstatement of the Commission’s 2021 Decision in favor of the employer. While such battles are seldom straightforward, and the process can be lengthy, unwavering focus on legal strategy and diligent application of the law ultimately deliver results for our clients.

Heyl Royster serves communities throughout the Midwest and beyond, with seven regional offices and a national reputation in litigation. The firm’s extensive experience in workers’ compensation defense has fostered a premier team of trial and appellate attorneys with an outstanding record of success.