Workers Comp Matters

Marking 25 Years Since 9/11: Revisiting Our Discussion With Special Master Ken Feinberg

It’s been 25 years since 9/11. In this special episode, we revisit our conversation with Kenneth Feinberg, the architect of the federal compensation plan for victims and

Way Down South: Every State Is Different. The View From Alabama.

Let’s go way down south to Alabama. As we know, Workers’ Compensation systems can vary from state to state. In this episode, we’ll explore the Alabama system with Birming

Workplace and Joint Replacement: What’s On-The-Job and What’s Just Aging?

Let’s talk about work-related joint injuries and replacements. Sebastian Negrusa, Ph.D., joins Judson and Alan to share the Workers’ Compensation Research Institute’s (WC

Challenging the Way We Think About “Exclusive Remedy”.

In this fascinating episode, explore how the Exclusive Remedy Rule works in the real and evolving world of Workers’ Compensation law. A recent case in Washington State, t

Collateral Damage: The Federal Workers’ Injury Comp Risk in a Government Shutdown

Sometimes the work done by law students can surprise everyone. This episode may shock you. Continuing a tradition, we honor the annual winner of the John F. Burton Jr. Co

Exploding Glue and Mermaid Dresses: When Workers’ Comp Gets Weird

It’s never funny when a worker is injured on the job, but some cases do raise eyebrows. In their annual look into some “unusual” Workers’ Comp cases, Jud and Alan uncover

Leveraging Tech and AI (With a Compassion) in Workers’ Comp Management

With the rise of artificial intelligence, it makes sense to think about the use of AI analytics in Workers’ Compensation case outcome management. What types of tools lead

The “Magellans” Navigating Workers’ Comp Care: Nursing Case Managers

Recovering from a workplace injury takes time, patience, and in many instances, professional case management. Guests Cindy Bourbeau and Annie Barach with Massachusetts-ba

Workplace Mental Health: Employee/Employer Perspectives Can Differ.

Mental health plays a big role in workplace efficiency and safety, but it seems employers and employees view the topic differently. Guest Joseph Toppe, a longtime journal

“Many ills may strike, but one must answer.” Medical Causation Standards in Workers' Compensation Claims

Causation and Workers’ Compensation? It’s complicated, and it varies by state. The concept is that to qualify for Workers’ Comp there must be a direct link between the in

Workers’ Comp, Politics, and the Economy: A Concerning Mix

It’s not you, the Workers’ Compensation system has changed over time, and not always for the best. Guest Christopher Godfrey, with a long career in Workers’ Comp, includi

A Teacher Injured in a School Shooting: When Is the School Responsible?

Workers’ Compensation has traditionally been a bargain, a “deal” workers and employers agree to. Workers injured on the job are compensated quickly and in exchange they d

When You’re Hot, You’re Hot: The Impact of Heat on Workplace Injuries

Hot enough for ya? Guest Sebastian Negrusa Ph.D. is a researcher at the Workers’ Compensation Research Institute (WCRI) and the co-author of the recent WCRI study “Impact

First Responders and Workers’ Comp, Understanding Workplace Injuries and PTSD

What happens when a first responder is hurt on the job or suffers from job-related post-traumatic stress? We depend on these heroes among us, always there when we need th

Exclusive Remedy: The “Great Bargain” (and the Exceptions)

Let’s talk about the “exclusive remedy,” what it means, why Workers’ Comp matters, and the exceptions. The concept of exclusive remedy is based on the principle that in e

When Undocumented Immigrants Are Hurt at Work

These are unprecedented times for the rights of immigrant workers in the United States. The current political climate has thrown a wrench into the Workers’ Compensation s

More “Strange but True” Workers’ Comp Cases (and What They Teach Us)

Hosts Alan and Judson Pierce reflect on nearly two decades of the Workers Comp Matters podcast with an examination of unusual or bizarre claims and cases.  A reminder, w

Sprain? Strain? Subluxation? Medical Insights That Can Help Attorneys.

Guest Dr. Peter Yeh is an orthopedic surgeon with more than 15 years in medicine treating shoulder, upper arm, and knee issues. The stuff that happens at the job.  When i

Enhancing Your Argument With Storytelling

Being a good lawyer is a lot about great storytelling. Unfortunately, that’s often not taught in law school. Facts build the case, but effective storytelling wins the cas

AI May Be Big, But Nothing Replaces People In Workers’ Comp Claims

AI may be changing the Workers’ Compensation insurance industry, but that doesn’t diminish the importance of a personal touch. Guest Michael Kelley leads the HUB Internat