Globe and Mail investigative reporter Kathy Tomlinson is researching if and how workers’ compensation systems across Canada lead injured workers to take addictive painkillers for long periods – and how that affects people’s lives. In particular, she will be looking at whether the push to get people back to work contributes to addictions, how people on painkillers risk getting re-injured on the job, and how and if painkillers may be used as a substitute/bandaid, instead of covering other treatments people need.
The reporter is reaching out to injured workers or family members willing to share their experiences or insights on this issue: “ultimately, we intend to push for positive changes.” If you are interested in participating, please contact her (confidentially) at ktomlinson@globeandmail.com or at (604) 631-6628.
(In 2017 the reporter’s “Licensed to bill” investigated the “lucrative industry” of ‘independent medical evaluations’ (IMEs) for doctors hired by insurers. It detailed concerns over the impartiality and quality of their medical assessments of automobile accident victims which can unfairly discredit injury claims…. )