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.