The Workers' Compensation System: Worker friend or foe?

摘要: Background The workers' compensation system was designed to help injured workers who have substantial medical expenses and perhaps lost a great deal of income. This study determines both similarities differences in how experience their interactions with the systems Florida Wisconsin. Methods Ethnographic open-ended interviews 204 from 198 Wisconsin were conducted. All had back injuries 1990 either paid temporary disability benefits for at least 4 weeks or received permanent compromise settlements. Results Some positive. However, majority respondents states experienced encounters as cumbersome, frustrating, demeaning. Conclusions Mistrust, stigmatization, payment delays, refusal insurer personnel pay contribute negative experiences system. These behaviors raise costs thus may reduce propensity eligible apply benefits. Am. J. Ind. Med. 45:338–345, 2004. © 2004 Wiley-Liss, Inc.