What 50 Years In Workers’ Compensation Law Has Taught Me

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.

Chapters
0:00 Why Workers Compensation?
6:30 The University of Massachusetts
7:17 The Law School Admission Test
8:05 Work-Life Balance
9:22 Liberty Mutual
11:55 Workers Comp Industry Changes
16:23 But What About the Constitution?
22:04 Continuous Industry Development
29:23 We Want Your Questions!

Special thanks to our sponsor MerusCase.

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