Why is it so hard for people to accept a person taking responsability for thier own actions?

Question

A few days ago I fell and hurt my shoulder while I was at work. It's not like I fell because of a fault piece of equipment or something that was poorly maintained. I just tripped and fell. I'm not really going to miss any time from work but I do need some medical treatment. What is really bothering me is I have already had several people from the hospital treat me like stupid or doing something wrong because I want to use my personal insurance rather than worker's comp. This is one of those things where I just wouldn't feel right holding my employer responsible.

twoodshair: I realize that paying the insurance an then not having to ever use it seems like a waste. But at the same time, once you do use it you premiums go way up.

Answer 1

Because the lawyers have convinced us that we should lead a totally risk free life.If something happens to us then someone must be to blame.Someone has to pay.This mentality is not what made America great.

Answer 2

In general, workman’s comp is a no-fault insurance, so it doesn't matter whether it's your employers fault or not. This open system keeps everybody honest and in doing so, enables real corrective action to be taken when needed, or not taken, as the case may be. Without an open system, both management and workers would be encouraged to twist the truth for their own needs, with the result being that the workplace stays dangerous, or becomes "incorrectly" safe.
While you may regard your tripping as your fault, without accurate statistics it's hard for external observers to determine if there is in fact a pattern of tripping at your workplace due to poorly maintained walkways, old rubber mats, poor drainage, etc. Maybe the next guy who trips at your workplace because of “their” fault may not be so lucky.
Incidentally, workman’s comp also protects employer’s rights too since it limits liabilities.
One last point is in order. Workman’s comp is implemented at the state level, and so may differ from state to state. In most states, you are automatically a part of the workman’s comp system with the exception of Texas where it is elective.

Answer 3

The hospital people are correct in that you shouldn't use your own health insurance. They are NOT correct in their judgement of you. I think it's human nature to react negatively when one thinks they are correct but their advice goes unheeded. It's worse when they don't realize that they are treating you in this condescending nature. One way to look at it...deep down inside they're looking out for your best interest, whether or not you agree on what your best interests are.

On a related note: Work Comp is a requirement for all employers. It's what pays for medical treatment when someone is hurt at work regardless of liability. Your health insurance carrier won't appreciate it if they find out they've been paying for something that the Work Comp company should be paying for.

Answer 4

I was in a similar situation once. I fainted at work due to an ongoing health issue and broke my leg. Healthcare personnel kept pushing me to work the situation into a worker's comp claim. I refused.

I refused because of honesty and the fact that I work in HR and know how much a worker's comp claim can cost the company.

Remember that the opinions of those who want you to be dishonest don't amount to much. They're not giving you advice for your own good.

PS
It's sad when people gripe about how unfair the world can be and then exhort you to lie. Stick to your belief.

Answer 5

you sound just like my dad and my husband.
i own my own business and have to pay a percentage of income to insurance for just this purpose. if no one gets hurt the money goes 'down the drain'.

so, you are actually helping the business you work for if you DO use workmans comp. and hindering if you don't.

Answer 6

A lot of people think it's easier to blame other people for their problems.