Not "cured by a verdict". Effect of legal settlement on compensation claimants.

Abstract

The literature dealing with the effect of legal settlement of compensation claims on disability and return to gainful employment is reviewed. The literature does not support the view that patients invariably become symptom-free and resume work within months of the finalisation of their claims. Up to 75 per cent of those injured in compensable accidents may fail to return to gainful employment two years after legal settlement. Factors associated with a poor prognosis include older age at settlement, low back injury and loss of libido. (Author/TRRL)