Panel to Hear Illinois Trooper’s Workers’ Comp Appeal

A former Illinois State Police trooper whose high-speed crash killed two sisters is asking again for workers’ compensation benefits for injuries he received in the wreck.

The Belleville News-Democrat reported the Illinois Workers’ Compensation Commissioners would hear an appeal from former trooper Matt Mitchell. He’s appealing a denial of his workers’ comp claim.

Mitchell was driving more than 100 mph and using his cell phone on Interstate 64 in southwestern Illinois. His cruiser crossed the median and slammed into a car. Two Collinsville sisters in that car died at the scene.

Mitchell later pleaded guilty to reckless homicide charges and was sentenced to 30 months of probation as part of a deal with prosecutors. His claim for workers’ comp for his injuries was denied by an arbitrator.