Wellbeing and the Lived Experience of Injured Workers Following Finalisation of a Workers’ Compensation Claim

Article

Weir, James, Fary, Robyn, Lee, Samantha, Mitchell, Tim, Johnston, Venerina, Wyatt, Mary, Guthrie, Robert, Myers, Bronwyn and Beales, Darren. 2025. "Wellbeing and the Lived Experience of Injured Workers Following Finalisation of a Workers’ Compensation Claim." Journal of Occupational Rehabilitation. https://doi.org/10.1007/s10926-024-10264-1
Article Title

Wellbeing and the Lived Experience of Injured Workers Following Finalisation of a Workers’ Compensation Claim

ERA Journal ID16458
Article CategoryArticle
AuthorsWeir, James, Fary, Robyn, Lee, Samantha, Mitchell, Tim, Johnston, Venerina, Wyatt, Mary, Guthrie, Robert, Myers, Bronwyn and Beales, Darren
Journal TitleJournal of Occupational Rehabilitation
Number of Pages15
Year2025
PublisherSpringer
ISSN1053-0487
1573-3688
Digital Object Identifier (DOI)https://doi.org/10.1007/s10926-024-10264-1
Web Address (URL)https://link.springer.com/article/10.1007/s10926-024-10264-1
Abstract

Purpose
Workers’ compensation claims can negatively affect the wellbeing of injured workers. For some, these negative effects continue beyond finalisation of the workers’ compensation claim. It is unclear what factors influence wellbeing following finalisation of a workers’ compensation claim. Therefore, the aim of this study was to explore wellbeing through the lived experience of individuals who have finalised a workers’ compensation claim in the state of Western Australia.

Methods
A qualitative study with individual, in-depth, semi-structured interviews was performed (n = 20, 55% female, average claim length 22.9 months, average time since claim end 33.4 months). Claim finalisation modes included full medical recovery, claim settlement with permanent impairment, direct settlement with the insurer and settlement with the insurer facilitated by a lawyer. The interview schedule was informed by a previous scoping review and cross-sectional survey completed by this research team. Qualitative data were analysed utilising a reflexive, interpretative phenomenological analysis approach.

Results
Five superordinate and their associated subordinate themes were identified; (1) The role of support; (2) Stigma and discrimination; (3) A new normal; (4) The importance of information; and (5) Recommended resources.

Conclusions
Injured workers experience a range of outcomes related to their wellbeing and employment following the finalisation of their workers’ compensation claim. Based on their experiences, resources to facilitate a transition and adjustment to life following a claim have been suggested by injured workers, including information regarding seeking employment, seeking welfare support, educational materials regarding future expectations, and individualised support care packages.

KeywordsClaim
Contains Sensitive ContentDoes not contain sensitive content
ANZSRC Field of Research 2020420399. Health services and systems not elsewhere classified
Byline AffiliationsCurtin University
SingHealth Polyclinics, Singapore
Pain Options, Australia
School of Health and Medical Sciences
Centre for Health Research
Monash University
South African Medical Research Council, South Africa
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