Cory Lum/Civil Beat
Chapter 1: Insurance ‘Hell’ Leaves Many Injured Workers Broken
In Hawaii’s workers' comp system, people with long-lasting injuries are often forced to battle doctors hand-picked by insurance companies to get treatment.
Cory Lum/Civil Beat
Chapter 2: This Woman Lost 10 Years Battling A System Where Insurers Call The Shots
Hobbled by pain from work injuries, Vanessa Sylva had to overcome medical reports by insurance doctors that challenged her need for surgeries.
Cory Lum/Civil Beat
Chapter 3: Spying On Injured Workers Often Adds To Their Pain
Surveillance is accepted practice in workers' comp cases. It can lead to a cutoff of benefits, but things are not always as they appear.
Cory Lum/Civil Beat
Chapter 4: Whose Side Is This Workers’ Comp Doctor On?
Chris Brigham has exerted major influence on how Hawaii's insurers treat injured workers claims. Critics say he has mostly made it easier to slash benefits.
Chapter 5: Delays, Denials, Wasted Tax Dollars: DOE’s Troubled Treatment Of Injured Workers
A Civil Beat investigation found frequent shortcomings with how Hawaii's education department handles workers' comp claims.
Cory Lum/Civil Beat
Chapter 6: Injured Workers Still Searching For Relief
A key lawmaker is promising to again pursue reforms in Hawaii's workers' comp system during the upcoming legislative session.
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Cory Lum/Civil Beat/2017
Recent Court Decisions Beneficial For Injured Workers
The Hawaii Supreme Court made two rulings in 2015 in favor of workers who had been denied treatment for their injuries.
Cory Lum/Civil Beat
Meet the Detective Who Tails Injured Workers
George Copeland's tricks of the trade include cameras hidden in a key fob or shirt button, or hours spent staring at an apartment door.
Ongoing Coverage
Cory Lum/Civil Beat
Three Bills Aim To Clear Obstacles For Injured Workers
Giving injured workers a say in which doctor is used to examine them is one of the key issues on the table this year.