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Direct Dial: 312-596-4901

Russell P. Standlee

Partner

Areas of Practice

Workers' Compensation

Summary

Russ is a partner in the Workers’ Compensation Defense Practice at Wiedner & McAuliffe’s Chicago office. A respected and authoritative litigator of Illinois workers’ compensation law, Russ joined Wiedner & McAuliffe in 1978. Russ’s practice is concentrated in some of the most complex areas of workers’ compensation law, including litigating wage-loss cases and defending employers against potentially high-exposure claims. Russ’s practice also encompasses handling employment-related matters for hospitals, health carriers, and self-insured employers.

Russ graduated from Indiana University in 1971 with a Bachelor of Science in Finance from the Kelley School of Business. He earned his Juris Doctor from Stetson University College of Law in 1975.

View Russell 's Extended Bio

Industry Contributions

As a board member and President of the Illinois Workers’ Compensation Lawyers Association in the 1980s, Russ effectively advocated in the Illinois political arena for a fair and measured dialog between employers and employees on workers’ compensation law and implementation.

Russ’s vast knowledge across the realms of workers’ compensation law remains in demand. He regularly advises insurance brokers and their insured employers, employer organizations, hospitals, and health industry associations on topics such as return-to-work, wage loss, and the measures Illinois employers can take to minimize exposure.

Notable Cases

Diego Delgado v. Bill’s Drywall: Four laborers claimed injuries sustained while allegedly driving between jobs when their vehicle flipped killing one and injuring three others, one of whom was the petitioner. Since the employer’s witnesses relocated to Mexico, the arbitrator granted a defense motion to compel evidence depositions in Mexico. Injuries proven not sustained in the course of employment. Compensation denied.
Patrick Orr v. Village of Orland Park, 97 IIC 714: Early surveillance case. Arbitrator awarded permanent and total disability. Suspicious circumstances led to recommendation for surveillance while pending appeal. Surveillance documented the petitioner traveling to and gambling at a casino in Wisconsin. Commission reduced the award to 5% man as a whole and temporary benefits; massive overpayment awarded to the employer.
Wiedenhoft v. Davis Mechanical, 07 IWCC 916: Heavy equipment operator claimed injuries resulting in a cervical fusion and a two-level lumbar fusion. Arbitrator denied compensation on the contested issue of causal connection. Treating physician’s opinion proven conjecture and lacking medical basis. Commission affirmed.

Certifications and Awards

Russ is a recipient of the Martindale-Hubbell Peer Review Rating of AV Preeminent, indicating the highest level of professional excellence.

Professional Affiliations

American Bar Association (Member, Tort and Insurance Practice Section)
Illinois State Bar Association
Florida Bar Association
Workers’ Compensation Lawyers Association (Member, Board of Directors, 1976 to 1990; Officer, 1985 to 1988, including President, 1988)

Bar and Court Admissions

Illinois

Florida

Education

J.D., Stetson University College of Law, 1975

B.S., Indiana University, 1971