A new study from the Workers Compensation Research Institute(WCRI) indicates trust or mistrust in the work relationship plays a significant role in the outcome of a workers’ compensation claim. In a recent benchmark study in Iowa by WCRI, almost four out of ten workers interviewed reported they were concerned they would be fired or laid off after they were injured.
The Iowa study reflects similar results in Wisconsin and other benchmark states. All workers who were interviewed received workers’ comp benefits and experienced more than a week of lost work time. Additional findings noted two-thirds of the injured Iowa workers had other health conditions (having smoked for ten years or had diabetes or lung conditions). Obviously those with significant pre-existing conditions had predictably worse results.