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

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.