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 ID	16458
Article Category	Article
Authors	Weir, James, Fary, Robyn, Lee, Samantha, Mitchell, Tim, Johnston, Venerina, Wyatt, Mary, Guthrie, Robert, Myers, Bronwyn and Beales, Darren
Journal Title	Journal of Occupational Rehabilitation
Number of Pages	15
Year	2025
Publisher	Springer
ISSN	1053-0487
	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.
Keywords	Claim
Contains Sensitive Content	Does not contain sensitive content
ANZSRC Field of Research 2020	420399. Health services and systems not elsewhere classified
Byline Affiliations	Curtin 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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