By Gerald
I was one of the privileged attendees that were invited by Dr. Brigham who I have known for over 10 years. For those who are unfamiliar with Dr. Brigham, he is one of the world’s leading experts on impairment ratings and is the Editing Chair of the AMA Guides 6th Edition. This is the second Webinar I have been invited to by Dr. Brigham specific to problems within the workers compensation systems with other Webinars being planned. The topic was something that affects every one, from the tax payer who is forced to subsidize workers compensation systems when workers claim and benefits are illegally denied based on WCB friendly doctors, in house lawyers and insurance companies who are to blame for the anger and frustration of the injured worker. The topic specific to the Webinar was “Anger and frustration of the Injured Worker”
It was agreed by all attendees that the grand bargain that resulted in the formation of workers compensation is no longer the grand bargain that it was supposed to be. Many in attendance believe that the whole idea of workers compensation should be abolished and some other form of disability insurance be provided through the Federal Government rather than through provinces or states who do a pathetically poor job of ensuring workers get the benefits that they should be entitled to. All in all it was an interesting topic.
Obviously, everyone knows that the system does not work and most workers with permanent disabilities wind up on CPP disability benefits or Social Assistance resulting in taxpayers paying for work-related injuries.
