Prior Ruling Didn't Bar Exclusive Remedy Defense Against Injured Worker

A divided Illinois Appellate Court panel on Friday ruled that worker’s tort claim against his employer’s alleged joint venturer was barred by the exclusive remedy provision of the Workers’ Compensation Act. While the court previously said Illinois Tool Works could not raise the exclusive remedy defense as a basis to support a grant of summary judgment in its favor, there was nothing stopping the company from asserting it once Michael Hiatt’s action was remanded for further proceedings. Hiatt had worked for Western Plastics at its manufacturing facility in Addison. The...