Scope and Content Note
These are transcripts of testimony taken by the Commission at public hearings held between March 1943 and May 1944. Commissioner Herman T. Stichman opened the hearings with a statement summarizing the history of compensation legislation in New York State and outlining statements and charges made concerning administration of the Workmen's Compensation Law leading to the establishment of the Commission. The hearings were being held, according to Stichman, to "reveal factors which have prevented a full measure of aid from reaching the persons the citizens of this State intended to benefit [and thus] insure a more effective functioning of future laws."
The transcripts contain testimony from individuals involved in or having close knowledge of compensation cases or compensation administration, including doctors and their employees, licensed representatives, State Police officers, and officials and employees of the State Insurance Fund, the New York Compensation Insurance Rating Board, the Workmen's Compensation Board, the Labor Department, x-ray laboratories, and insurance companies. Witnesses gave testimony concerning inadequacies, irregularities, and fraud in the administration of the Workmen's Compensation Law, including inadequate medical treatment, kickbacks, bribes, and other illegal or unethical activities.
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