Workers Comp Matters

Latest Episodes:

The Attorney's Role in Workers Compensation Aug 28, 2018

Show notes

Employees who are confronted by workers’ compensation claims for the first time can be overwhelmed by the legal process, but attorneys are there to help. Host Alan Pierce talks to certified specialist Bob Wisniewski about the experience of a workers’ compensation attorney and the most common reasons why an injured worker would seek out legal representation for a claim.

Opioid Alternative Treatment Pathway Jun 28, 2018

Show notes

Massachusetts’ Department of Industrial Accident (DIA) is launching a two year pilot program called the Opioid Alternative Treatment Pathway (OATP). This program will allow attorneys, judges, and injured workers within the DIA system quicker access to medical professionals in the case of opioid dependency. Host Alan Pierce talks to Judge Omar Hernández about the program, how it works, and how it helps address the opioid epidemic.

Are Student Athletes Eligible for Workers Comp? May 21, 2018

Show notes

Are there any situations in which an injured student athlete could be awarded workers’ compensation? In this episode of Workers Comp Matters, host Alan Pierce talks to Taylor O’Toole about the debate on whether student athletes at larger universities should be considered employees and, as such, should be entitled to workers’ comp. To cover the topic they take a look at significant cases that have challenged the NCAA’s tradition of amateurism and address the arguments that have been made both for and against student athletes as employees.

Taylor O'Toole is a J.D. Candidate at Pennsylvania State University, Penn State Law.

Special thanks to our sponsors, Casepacer and PInow.

Changes to Workers Comp Coverage in the Political Climate Apr 24, 2018

Show notes

Host Alan Pierce talks to Rick Victor about the major changes the workers compensation system has experienced and the new conflicts injured workers are dealing with. They also look to the future and attempt to interpret how the appeal of Obamacare, the labor shortage, and the current immigration policies will affect the workers’ comp industry.

Technology's Impact on the Future of the Labor Force Mar 29, 2018

Show notes

Alan Pierce talks to Erica Groshen, head of the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, about the trends that characterize the future of the U.S. workforce and how robotics and artificial intelligence will also have an impact on employment. Some of the trends they discuss include the fuzzy definition of what an employee is, a growing gig economy, and independent contractors versus traditional employment.

Dealing with Chronic Pain in the Workplace Feb 22, 2018

Show notes

“Pain is inevitable, suffering is optional.” - George Beilin

When chronic pain hits it feels like the most important thing in your life, but it doesn’t have to control you. In this episode of Workers Comp Matters, host Alan Pierce talks to George Beilin about the different methods of measuring pain and the importance of coping with pain in a healthy way. George also shares his personal experience with crippling pain and how humor played a role in his recovery.

Dr. George Beilin is a seasoned licensed psychologist who specializes in the treatment of people with chronic pain, coexisting anxiety, and depression.

Special thanks to our sponsors, Casepacer and PInow.

Does Workers' Compensation Cover Hate Crimes in the Workplace? Jan 31, 2018

Show notes

For those who work at Planned Parenthood, there is increased risk of assault and harassment within the workplace, but if employees are attacked are they covered by workers’ compensation? In this episode of Workers Comp Matters, host Alan Pierce talks to Kyle Black about what is legally considered a hate crime and the various factors and risks that affect whether or not a hate crime case meets the criteria for compensability. They also discuss a Pennsylvania statute and the significant difference the varied interpretations, whether “reasons personal” is personal to the assailant or victim, really makes.

Kyle Black is an associate in the Pittsburgh office of Lewis Brisbois and a member of the commercial litigation, data privacy & cybersecurity, general liability, and employment & labor practices.

Special thanks to our sponsors, Casepacer and PInow.

New York Workers’ Compensation Changes in 2017 Dec 30, 2017

Show notes

Workers’ compensation is one area of law that’s constantly adapting to the society around it. Some of the changes it goes through are for the better, while others are challenged by both injured workers and the attorneys that represent them. In this episode of Workers Comp Matters, host Alan Pierce talks to Michael Gruber about the controversial changes to New York’s workers’ comp rules that were put into place earlier this year. They explain the budget changes that lead to the shift in impairment guidelines, the secrecy of the decision process, and the resulting backlash. They also discuss what national workers’ comp issues will likely draw the most attention in 2018 including marijuana, opioids, and immigration.

Michael Gruber, a partner at Pasternack Tilker Ziegler Walsh Stanton & Romano, LLP, handles workers compensation cases for the firm.

Special thanks to our sponsors, Casepacer and PInow.

Workers Comp Claims in Professional Sports Nov 30, 2017

Show notes

Representing professional athletes as a workers’ compensation lawyer comes with its own unique set of challenges. In this episode of Workers Comp Matters, host Alan Pierce talks to Gerry Carney about some of these challenges including the jurisdictional aspects of a case that can maximize or minimize benefits. Gerry also discusses some of the Chronic Traumatic Encephalopathy (CTE) and head injury claims he’s seen and his view of the class action lawsuit filed against the NFL that was recently settled.

Gerard Carney is the founder of Carney Law Firm and has dedicated his entire career to the representation of injured workers and their families.

Special thanks to our sponsors, Casepacer and PInow.

Social Security Disability Claims Oct 30, 2017

Show notes

For people with long term medical conditions that are expected to keep them from working for more than a year, Social Security will sometimes pay disability benefits. In this episode of Workers Comp Matters, host Alan Pierce talks to Janice Skillings-Goff about social security disability claims including who’s qualified to make these claims, eligibility requirements, and what to do if a social security claim is denied. They also discuss the role of an attorney in challenging a denial and how an average hearing is conducted.

Janice Skillings-Goff is a workers compensation attorney at Alan S. Pierce & Associates in Salem, Massachusetts.

Special thanks to our sponsors, Casepacer and PInow.