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To learn more about Hennessy & Roach services, reach us at:

Chicago:       312-346-5310
Fax:                312-346-5330

St. Louis:      314-231-0770
Fax:                314-231-0990

Springfield:  217-726-0037
Fax:                217-726-0137
 ______________________
140 S Dearborn St.,   7th Floor
Chicago, IL 60603

Jennifer Yates Weller
jweller@hennessyroach.com

• Bachelor of Arts - Political Science 1995, Saint Louis University
• Juris Doctor 1998, Saint Louis University School of Law
• Admitted to Practice in Missouri 1998, Illinois 2002 and Federal Court 2001

Professional Affiliations

Member of the Bar Association of Metropolitan St. Louis

Practice Areas

Defense of Workers' Compensation in Missouri and Illinois

Social Affiliations

Treasurer/Executive Committee member of Kids’ Chance, Inc. of Missouri (charitable organization providing scholarships to the children of employees who were either killed or severely disabled in work related injuries in Missouri).

Co-chair for the Kids’ Chance Golf Tournament annual fund-raiser.

Significant Arbitration/Commission Decisions

1. Edward Lee v. McLane Livestock Transport, Inc. (95-063667)

The claimant was a truck driver who had a heart attack while on a trip delivering goods. The claimant attempted to relate the onset of symptoms and his heart attack to his physical activity of unloading the trucks, thus making it a compensable injury. However, the medical records showed that his symptoms began 14 hours after he had completed his work activities. In addition, the medical records revealed he had significant pre-existing coronary artery disease with other risk factors including a family history of heart problems, diabetes, obesity and was a heavy smoker. The Judge ruled that the claimant's employment was not a substantial factor in causing his heart attack and denied compensability. This ruling also barred his claim for permanent total disability against the Second Injury Fund.

2. Jessica Lapinski v. RCS Construction (03 WC 32580)

The petitioner sustained a minor traumatic injury to her wrist resulting in minimal disfigurement. Petitioner was diagnosed with bilateral carpal tunnel syndrome. She tried to claim she developed carpal tunnel syndrome as a result of this traumatic injury and that she developed the condition in her other hand due to overcompensation. The petitioner was a manual laborer with an extensive history of prior employers. Her medical records revealed symptoms of CTS prior to her minor traumatic injury while she was employed by other employers. An offer of 2 weeks of disfigurement was rejected before trial. The arbitrator not only denied the CTS claim but also awarded nothing for the disfigurement (her hands were so worn from years of manual labor, it was very hard to even see the scar). No appeal was filed.

3. Daniel Wyatt v. Legal Dox, Inc. (04 WC 14854)

The petitioner worked for a legal copying service putting exhibits together, photocopying, and collating documents. He alleged injury to his neck and back from putting copy paper away. The petitioner had a history of neck and back problems and was seeking medical treatment prior to the alleged injury. No specific injury was reported to the employer and there was no notation of any work injury in the medical records. The arbitrator found the petitioner did not sustain an accidental injury arising out of and in the course of his employment and failed to present any evidence of an aggravated, exacerbated or accelerated condition. The petitioner's claim for compensation was denied.

Presentations

Jennifer Yates Weller has presented numerous seminars regarding Workers’ Compensation in Missouri and Illinois before claims offices and employers.