50 Years In Workers’ Comp: Alan Pierce’s Observations and Reflections

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In this special episode, co-host Alan Pierce shares his thoughts on an auspicious occasion, celebrating his 50th year practicing Workers’ Compensation law. Alan’s son and law partner, Judson Pierce, interviews his father.

Fifty years of anything is a long time. Alan passed the bar in 1974 and began practicing Workers’ Comp law. He’s seen a lot. Incremental changes seem to pass slowly, but over half a century, Alan has had a front row seat to what’s become a revolution, from his start as a claims adjuster to attending law school at night to founding his own Workers’ Compensation law firm.

Since its introduction more than a century ago, Workers’ Comp evolved into a specialized, and highly complex system aimed at making injured workers whole and getting then back on the job while controlling costs, rehabilitating workers, and understanding and managing ever-changing workplace environmental challenges.

Today’s “gig economy,” artificial intelligence, the influence of business lobbying, and the decline of union political influence are ongoing issues that will shape Workers’ Compensation rules as the system heads into its second century. Hear Alan’s perspective on the changes he fears may ultimately harm workers if we don’t continue to uphold our long-held moral obligation to protect each other.

Do you have thoughts on Workers’ Comp law or an idea for a topic or guest you’d like to hear? Contact us at [e-mail]

Mentioned in This Episode:

Michael Duff, “How the U.S. Supreme Court Deemed the Workers' Compensation Grand Bargain ‘Adequate’ Without Defining ‘Adequacy’”