Building on WCRI’s earlier research, which found that attorney representation was associated with increased indemnity benefits paid to injured workers, this study examines the relationship between attorney representation and workers’ physical recovery and medical payments. It expands the earlier analysis to consider whether representation is associated with differences in health and functioning after injury.

Researchers analyzed survey responses from injured workers in 15 states, assessing their physical health and functioning approximately three years after injury. They linked survey responses to administrative claims data to examine medical payments per claim, allowing them to explore the relationship between attorney representation, recovery, and medical costs.

The findings may help clarify when legal representation may be beneficial to injured workers and identify opportunities to streamline the process when attorneys become involved. The study may also inform strategies to better align incentives between attorneys and workers, with the goal of ensuring that workers’ health, recovery, and access to appropriate care remain central priorities.

Attorney Representation, Health Recovery, and Medical Payments. David Neumark and Bogdan Savych. October 2026. WC-26-23.

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