THE ASSESMENT OF CHRONIC ILLNESS WITHIN THE COMPENSATION SYSTEM

The experiences of an individual who submitted a compensation claim for a soft tissue injury are used to examine the issue of chronic illness or injury. Those who are older, female and less educated are more likely to be affected. The compensation system relies upon the knowledge and impartiality of medical specialists. The nature of that knowledge and the behaviour of individual specialists is discussed. Medical opinions about chronic soft tissue injuries appear to be based more on subjective and situational factors rather than on organic understandings. These opinions merely reflect and reinforce the values of the society in which they are formed. Attention becomes focused upon the individual, away from the process or environment that caused the original injury. There is a concern that opinions provided meet social expectations rather than the basic requirements of science.