In fact, studies show that the results of treatment may depend on whether or not the person has a compensation injury. Return-to-work rates are lower in this group. At the same time, use of health services of all kinds is increased when it's a compensation injury.

Experts point to financial secondary gain as a possible reason for the behavior of patients covered under Worker's Comp. When compensation (money) is given for illness or injury, there may be less motivation to get better. This is especially true if the person's job is stressful or they feel undervalued by the employer.

Many patients have legitimate claims and have made every effort to comply with rehab. They have given 100 per cent effort to getting back to the job site but fail to do so. In such cases, disability is awarded and the person stays home or finds a different line of work.