A three-day series in the New York Times recently discussed frustrations with all participants: employees, employers, medical providers, insurance companies and the Workers’ Compensation Board. Many have asked, “How accurate is this story?”
If the series had been run three or four decades ago it would not have been substantially different. The deficiencies described are due to the entrenched sub-culture of a system perceived as small compared to negligence or group medical benefits but having out of proportion effects upon businesses and families.
The articles portrayed the hearings as seen from the point of view of a New York City hearing. The sheer volume of hearings at these points accounts for the system’s resemblance to small claims or traffic court although the consequences to the parties are orders of magnitude greater. (workersxzcompxzkit)
The employers’ viewpoint was seen from substantial long-standing businesses up-state, a region where a town, city or county may depend on the health of a single industry or employer.
The real message for the reader is there is a sector of the health and disability industry which must address problems that it is only now acknowledging and beginning to understand.
Author: Attorney Theodore Ronca is a practicing lawyer from Aquebogue, NY. He is a frequent writer and speaker, and has represented employers in the areas of workers’ compensation, Social Security disability, employee disability plans and subrogation for over 30 years. Attorney Ronca can be reached at 631-722-2100.
Try the WC Cost Calculator to show the REAL COST of work comp. www.ReduceYourWorkersComp.com/calculator.php
Look at WC 101 for the basics about workers comp. ww.ReduceYourWorkersComp.com/workers_comp.php
Workers’ Comp Kit® is a web-based online Assessment, Benchmarking and Cost Containment system for employers. It provides all the materials needed to reduce your costs significantly in 85% less time than if you designed a program from scratch. www.ReduceYourWorkersComp.com
Do not use this information without independent verification. All state laws are different. Consult with your corporate legal counsel before implementing any cost containment programs.
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