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SOMBA K'E/YELLOWKNIFE - A disgruntled former Yellowknife worker has launched a $410 million lawsuit against the Worker's Safety and Compensation Commission (WSCC).

Ivan Valic, who currently resides in Calgary, filed the suit after receiving a $300,000 settlement from the commission, formerly known as the Workers' Compensation Board, in 2006. Both his past settlement and his current lawsuit relate to injuries he suffered in 1987 during the construction of the Ruth Inch Memorial Pool.

Ivan Valic is in town to appeal a supreme court decision about his WCB case. He is seeking more money to pay for his expenses during his 20 year fight. - Jason Emiry/NNSL photo

In 2006, Valic was denied permanent benefits.

According to his statement of claim, Valic believes "he was not given adequate access to a translator prior to signing the ($300,000) agreement, nor was he given an opportunity to adequately consult counsel prior to entering into the agreement."

Valic also said he was on "numerous medications" prior to signing his settlement - and as a result he said he was incapable of understanding the nature and effect of his settlement. Considering these factors, he said the original agreement should be rendered null and void.

Although Valic's first work-related injury dates back to 1987 - there are more than five injuries in total in the various suits - with the most recent occurring in 1998. He suffers from chronic pain in his L-4 and L-5 vertebrae due to the injuries, he said.

He chose to receive the original settlement in a lump sum, as opposed to monthly payments over the course of his life. The money was sent to him in late December of 2006.

Accompanying the cheque, Michael Triggs, director of legal services for the commission, enclosed a letter in which he wrote, "Chronic pain syndrome is a difficult injury to recover from, but it is not impossible. I hope you will recover from the effects of this condition."

Dave Grundy, director of communications for the WSCC, said the commission cannot comment on the current case.

"Here's the bottom line to all this: under the legislation we're not allowed to talk about any particular claim that an individual has with the WSCC."

"On the $410 million suit, yes, we confirm that he has filed a $410 million lawsuit against the WSCC. It would be inappropriate for me to comment on it because it is before the courts now," he added.

He would also not comment on what led the commission to reach the $300,000 settlement in 2006, as it is part of Valic's current case, he said.