Westport Approves Workers’ Compensation Settlement for Police Officer’s Hypertension Claim

Town Meeting Approves Settlement in Police Officer Claim

In a 24-4 vote (with one abstention), the Representative Town Meeting (RTM) in Westport, Connecticut, approved a workers’ compensation settlement of approximately $35,000 for Police Officer Michael Gudzik.

The settlement resolved a hypertension-related claim originally filed in 2011. Although the measure passed by a two-thirds majority, several RTM members voiced concern about how the claim had been processed.

Processing Delay Raises Concerns

Officer Gudzik filed the claim through the Police Department in June 2011. The claim was intended to be forwarded directly to the office of Town Attorney Ira Bloom, but it reportedly arrived after the state’s filing deadline to contest it had passed.

Town officials said that, under Connecticut law, the claim would likely have been accepted regardless of the timing because the officer had filed within the statutory window and had a physician’s diagnosis supporting the claim.

Still, some RTM members expressed frustration over the administrative delay.

“Anyone watching this tonight, hearing that somebody in the Police Department sat on a letter or didn’t forward a letter on a claim … we look like a bunch of fools, quite frankly,” said John McCarthy (District 9). “This is a black eye for the town of Westport.”

Others viewed the issue as an isolated event.

“This is a glitch. It’s not a black mark on the town of Westport,” said Richard Lowenstein (District 5). “Something happened, and I’m confident it won’t happen again.”

Officials Call It an Administrative Error

Speaking with the Westport News at the time, Town Attorney Ira Bloom called the missed filing an administrative mistake — the first such occurrence during his tenure.

Police Chief Dale Call, who was deputy chief when the claim was filed, echoed that sentiment:

“At worst, this was an inadvertent mix-up,” he said in 2012. “We know what the process is, and we’re committed to following it.”

Settlement Based on Medical Assessment

According to reports, Gudzik’s physician determined a 5–9% level of heart impairment due to hypertension. Based on that medical opinion, the settlement was reached between the officer’s legal counsel and the town.

The town typically requests an independent medical evaluation for such cases but opted not to do so in this instance, judging the settlement as an equitable resolution.

RTM Members Seek Policy Review

Following the vote, several RTM members called for procedural improvements to avoid similar issues in future claims.

“I think we definitely need a policy in place to ensure that all hypertension cases—regardless of the dollar amount—be reviewed by a medical professional representing the town,” said Allen Bomes (District 7).

Bloom said the recommendation was reasonable and would be reviewed, noting the need to balance fiscal responsibility with due diligence.

* This blog from Pain and Injury is intended for educational purposes only. It summarizes a public workers’ compensation case originally reported in 2012. It does not constitute legal or medical advice. Patient recovery and claim outcomes vary. For personalized advice, consult a qualified legal or healthcare professional.