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State cuts mean workers’ comp isn’t working for many who need it [1]

['Pbs Newshour']

Date: 2015-03-05 20:26:20-04:00

JUDY WOODRUFF:

Workers' compensation benefits have long played a critical role in the American labor market. Simply put, businesses pay insurance for claims if a worker is injured on the job. The employee gives up the right to sue, but the employer pays medical costs and part of the wages while the worker recovers.

But a new investigation by ProPublica and NPR finds workers' comp is being substantially eroded. Over the past couple decades, legislators in more than 30 states have passed laws reducing benefits or making it more difficult in many cases to qualify for them. States have also cut off benefits after arbitrary time limits.

Let's hear from one of the workers who was profiled.

Joel Ramirez was paralyzed in a warehouse accident after a 900-pound crate fell on him in 2009. Last June, his home health aide was taken away after the state of California passed a new law.

His wife, Lupita, gave up her job to help him, including with his personal hygiene.

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[1] Url: https://www.pbs.org/newshour/show/workers-comp-isnt-working-many-need

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