A Longitudinal Study of Compensation-Seeking and Return to Work in a Treated Mild Traumatic Brain Injury Sample

OBJECTIVE: In patients with mild traumatic brain injury (MTBI), to assess: (1) changes in financial compensation-seeking status over time and (2) the relationship between compensation-seeking and return to work. DESIGN: Longitudinal evaluation of financial compensation-seeking status (i.e., at intake, 3 months postinjury, and 12 months postinjury) and relationship of such status to return to work. SETTING: Outpatient rehabilitation clinic. SUBJECTS: Ninety-seven patients with MTBI. MAIN OUTCOME MEASURES: Compensation-seeking status at 3 and 12 months and days taken to return to preinjury vocational activity. RESULTS: Those in litigation at intake generally continued to be in litigation at 3 and 12 months postinjury. Those seeking or receiving compensation via administrative means (e.g., sick pay or workers' compensation) at intake were generally not seeking or receiving compensation by 3 months or later, as was the case for most of those not seeking any financial compensation at intake. Patients seeking or receiving financial compensation via litigation and/or administrative means at intake took longer to return to work than did people who were not seeking or receiving compensation at intake. CONCLUSION: The present study design does not allow for determination of the reasons for the strong relationship between financial compensation-seeking soon post-MTBI and a slow return to work. However, the strength of the present findings indicates that the presence or absence of financial compensation-seeking soon post-MTBI should be routinely evaluated when return to work is an issue.