Worker's compensation, litigation, and employment factors in return to work

Article type: Research Article

Authors: Merrill, Amber P.^;

Affiliations: 179B Peterson Ln, Brunswick, ME 04011, USA

Note: [] Corresponding author. Tel.: + 1 207 3860266.

Abstract: The purpose of this paper is to provide a critical review of three variables considered important in the return to work of a worker with a low-back injury. These are: (1) worker's compensation; (2) litigation; and (3) employment factors, including length of time at pre-injury employment, availability of a job after injury, and duration of time off work due to low-back pain. Although the literature is inconclusive regarding the effects of worker's compensation, research suggests that litigation, pre-morbid employment, length of unemployment due to disability, and availability of a job following injury impact on employment prognosis after rehabilitation.

Keywords: Low-back-pain, Employment outcome, Workplace injury

DOI: 10.3233/WOR-1997-9307

Journal: Work, vol. 9, no. 3, pp. 245-253, 1997