There are two golden rules…..
- “Do unto others as you would have them do unto you.”
- “The one who owns all the gold makes the rules.”
Most people would prefer rule number one “Treat others as you would like to be treated”. I applied these rules to Worker’s Compensation and asked the question. If you were injured at work, would you want the best care? Would you like the ability to recover 100%? I wanted that for you and myself.
Now look at the second golden rule; what does it mean “the one who owns all the gold makes the rules”?
We could say the insurance companies, the large corporations hold all the power and control how the Worker’s Compensation system works. Here the golden rule equals money, medical treatment, lobbying, and political contributions. Those who pay the doctors are the same ones who can pay the politicians. “The one who has the money controls the rules.”
Unfortunately, I was stuck in a dysfunctional Worker’s Compensation system. Then reality sinks in I have very little power to get the medical treatment and care I deserve. I don’t have the money, I have never written to a state representative about problems with the workers’ compensation system.
By default with little to no actions, I have allowed corporate America and insurance companies to make decisions for me. One day I went to work with all my fingers; after two days I was home after a 5+- hour surgery. My thumb had been crushed in a work accident. It was not till I was in the system I understood how messed up it is.
If you could pick which golden rule would you prefer?
For me, it is too late, but for the person behind me, it’s not too late. For you, I would like “Do unto others as you would have them do unto you”.