The 1996/Act 57 amendments to the Pennsylvania Workers' Compensation Act implemented dramatic changes in multiple aspects of workers' compensation practice in Pennsylvania. Employers and insurers believed that the Impairment Rating Evaluation (IRE) would transform Pennsylvania's workers' compensation to a system more favorable to them. At the same time, claimants feared it would unfairly benefit employers and disrupt their benefits. Both perspectives had elements of truth and error, and the dispute and uncertainty surrounding IREs continue. This is their saga.