I frequently write about the intersection of workers’ compensation benefits for workers and politics. The bottom line on my comments is that workers, and citizens who care about workers, need to vote for candidates who will protect workers’ rights. These comments arise from a now quarter-century attack on workers’ compensation benefits by big business and insurance interests. Their power is almost incomprehensible in terms of the money they will spend to take away or limit benefits.

Recently, a Florida court found that the limiting of workers’ benefits in Florida has destroyed the “social bargain” that led to the creation of workers’ compensation. Workers’ compensation laws are slightly more than 100 years old. The notion of a bargain is workers got fast and fair benefits in exchange for giving up their right to full compensation. There have been a lot of discussions since the big business/insurance attack on worker benefits that the bargain is no longer fair.

The Florida court also found the exclusive-remedy rule unconstitutional. The exclusive-remedy rule deprives injured workers and their families of benefits for pain, suffering and non-occupational disability. I have also represented a client in Nebraska where the exclusive-remedy rule was limited by a court.

Big business and big insurance will not back down. They won’t let up. As I write this blog, billions of dollars are being poured into political campaigns by the Koch Industries, TD Ameritrade and scores of others to support candidates who want to reduce and eliminate workers’ benefits.

Workers, their families, and everyone else who cares about ordinary human beings must not let these wealthy interests buy elections. We must stand up and vote. We must inform ordinary human citizens that the corporate citizens are taking away our rights as fast as they can. This is a crucial election, and every election will be crucial until people stand up and convince the mega wealthy that they can’t buy elections any longer.