The stumbling American economy has adversely affected injured workers. It is more difficult for injured workers to return to work now, according to a study performed by the Workers' Compensation Research Institute (WCRI). The report was issued in late November by the Cambridge, Massachusetts-based institute. According to the study, Pennsylvania and Wisconsin are deemed to have higher rates of injured workers returning to work than other states.

In today's climate of high unemployment, injured workers find it more difficult to return to work, leading to more people requiring workers' compensation disability benefits for a longer period of time. Moreover, when injured workers do return to work, it is more challenging to find jobs with modified duties that would allow them to ease back in to work while they recover from their disability. Employers are reluctant to lay off another employee in order to bring back an injured worker on light duty, particularly when there are concerns the employee may be susceptible to further disability issues.

WCRI, a non-profit organization, has been the catalyst for many workers' compensation reforms in Wisconsin and across the country. The current economic climate has created a situation where employees feel the need to return to work as soon as possible, despite their disability because they are worried about losing their job entirely. Nevertheless, many injured workers still find it difficult to get the benefits to which they ought to be entitled. Any Wisconsin residents struggling to get the benefits they deserve should know that there are legal channels available that can help. It can be tricky to file claims and navigate the system, but there is help available.

Source: Business Insurance, "Ailing economy hurts return-to-work efforts for injured employees: Analysis," Sheena Harrison, Dec. 1, 2011