Has the “Great Bargain” Worked? Well … It’s Complicated

Continuing our discussion of the 50th anniversary of the National Commission on State Workmen’s Compensation (as it was called) report. We’ve come a long way, but … it’s complicated. Guest Abbie Hudgens, Administrator of the State of Tennessee Bureau of Workers’ Compensation, shares her thoughts on how far we’ve come with the “great bargain” that balances workers’ rights and the need to file a lawsuit for any injury on the job. It’s a bit messy to this day. Fifty states, 50 systems. Are higher-paid workers being shortchanged? Should older, rural, or less educated workers receive more than others when they are injured and can’t work. And what’s the goal of a Workers’ Comp system, security for life, or helping workers get back on the job. There remain many questions about disability and impairment, and even partial disability. It’s a fragile balance. As we’ve said, it’s complicated. Mentioned in This Episode: “AMA Guides® to the Evaluation of Permanent Impairment: an overview” Workcomp Central