Attorneys

Brian is a partner in the Worker’s Compensation Defense practice based in Wiedner & McAuliffe’s Chicago office. On behalf of Illinois employers, insurance carriers and third-party administrators, Brian defends all aspects of workers’ compensation claims. He strives to expedite cases where possible, helping clients avoid exposure to potentially expensive protracted litigation. He counsels and presents to numerous employers, carriers and Captive accounts that cover a constellation of industries: transportation, staffing agencies, retail, medical, manufacturing, aviation, municipalities, including fire and police work and all phases of construction WC defense.

Brian is a frequent faculty member at the Illinois Institute of Continuing Legal Education (IICLE). In 2018, Brian was honored to be invited to speak at the IRMI (International Risk Management Institute) Construction Risk Conference. The national conference is held each year for carriers, excess carriers and employers that specialize in the construction industry. Brian presented with his longtime client on the issue of “Identifying and Defending a Fraudulent Worker Compensation Claim.”

Brian is active in his parish, St. Mary Mokena. He coaches the school’s 8th grade basketball team and 5th grade basketball team. Brian is President of the Men’s Club at St. Mary with the primary goals of building camaraderie in the St. Mary community and fundraising support for the education of all students.

Education

• J.D., DePaul University College of Law, 1997
• B.S., University of Illinois-Champaign, 1993

Admissions

• Illinois

• Workers’ Compensation Lawyers’ Association

• Loveland v. The Reserves Network, 18 WC00141: On appeal, Brian successfully argued that petitioner history of injury and the evidence presented by petitioner were not compelling evidence to establish petitioner entitlement to benefits.  With benefits denied, employer realized a savings of greater than $1 million in exposure. 
• Morsovillo v. FE Moran Fire Protection, 18 IWCC 00082: At Arbitration and IWCC Appeal, successfully defeated pipefitter claim for permanent and total disability for claim of repetitive trauma to the cervical spine via application of case law on manifestation date and the claimant’s medical record.  Savings to client in excess of $800,000.
•  Squires v. Schindler Elevator, 17 IWCC 00685: On appeal, claim filed by elevator mechanic for loss of income successfully defeated on issues of causation despite accepted accident.  Result of appeal saved employer over $850,000.00 on claim of loss of wages.
• Thompson v. Campus Cooks, 16 IWCC 00098: Chef working for a sorority claimed injuries as a result of raising a window in a work kitchen.  Petitioner claim denied based on dispute as the whether petitioner was exposed to a unique risk of injury by virtue of the petitioner employment.  After cross examination on petitioner prior medical treatment, work duties and presentation of lay witness testimony to rebut petitioner claim of injury, Arbitrator denied petitioner benefits.  On Appeal to the Commission, denial affirmed. 
•  Woods v. Power Construction, 15 WC 9991: Fully disputed accident for Union Elevator Operator for claim on claim for lumbar fusion.  At Arbitration, claimant found not credible on accident based on presentation of rebuttal witnesses, criminal background, surveillance and cross examination of petitioner.  Based on the Arbitrator denial on all issues, petitioner chose not to appeal and case closed with no issuance of benefits.  Savings to client of over $750,000.
• Taylor v. Walmart, 15 IWCC 00659: In a claim for repetitive trauma, petitioner claim for benefits defeated at the Arbitration and Commission Appeal on the issue of accident and credibility.  Through presentation of rebuttal witnesses on petitioner job duties and report of injury and cross examination of petitioner, claim was successfully defended with savings to client of over $220,000.
• Quinteros v. Power Construction, 11 IWCC 00701: Petitioner injured in the scope of employment and claimed a Physical-Mental theory of recovery that was denied.  Through cross examination, critique of medical records, presentation of expert psychologic testimony and numerous lay witnesses, petitioner claim of Physical-Mental disability defeated at Arbitration and Commission Appeal.  Savings to client in excess of $142,000 in accrued benefits.
•  Smith v. Liberty Mutual Insurance, 10 WC 006142:  In a claim of injury in a parking lot with severe comminuted fracture of the leg, claim successfully defended on the issue of whether petitioner accident arose out of an in the course of her employment.  Arbitrator found no compensable accident and therefore, no work related injuries.  Savings to the employer amounted to greater than $165,000 accrued benefits.