How to Manage Stress While Waiting for Your Work Injury Case to Settle

Waiting for a work injury case settlement is hard. Especially if you’re waiting. And waiting. And waiting – only to be followed by more waiting. Managing stress during workers’ compensation proceedings is difficult at every step of the way. It’s difficult in a different way than recovering from your physical injuries, but still, very difficult. Here at the ODG Law Group, our experienced work injury lawyer team can help you recover the compensation you deserve for your at-work injury.

Unfortunately, these cases don’t wrap themselves up in just a few days, usually. The process can drag out. When it does, you want to be able to best manage the resulting stress.

Why Work Injury Cases Take Time

Simply put: because so much goes into workers compensation. Think of all of the different parties that have to be involved in the negotiations, evaluations, legal procedures, and more. None of this can be rushed. In many cases, the only action “rushing” can accomplish is to make sure that the injured worker receives less than they deserve. We keep that from happening. 

Think about everything that can go into this: chronic conditions, surgeries, therapies, treatments, doctor’s visits, gathering evidence, vocational assessments – and that’s just the start. 

Even the number of medical examinations alone – the ones done by doctors, by independent doctors, by those ordered to do so by the insurance company, and so forth. Just this one part of the process can drag out for a long, long period of time. 

The more you understand all of the actors that go into one of these cases, the better off you’ll be. Why? Because you’ll then be able to develop expectations that are reasonable. That way, you’ll have less anxiety when it comes to the timeline of your case. 

The Psychological Impact of Prolonged Legal Proceedings

“Litigation stress” is not a buzzword. It is a real thing. This stress can affect injured workers in, unfortunately, many ways. For starters, the financial stress of an at-work injury can be immense.

You may very well be dealing with extremely high medical bills at the exact same time that you’re looking at reduced income from not being able to work. Not only can this be a challenge now, but it can be one going forward, too.  It’s natural, normal, and understandable to have future security concerns about permanent disability ratings, when you can return to work, and even your earning potential moving forward, among other concerns. 

Of course, those are just the parts related to your injury, your recovery. Those don’t include those connected to your case. Here at the ODG Law Group, we do everything in our power to take as much stress out of the process as possible for our clients. That said, it’s still natural to be anxious about the legal proceedings, the uncertainty of your timeline, and more. 

We have helped many through the process you’re dealing with right now. We can’t make it easy on you, necessarily, but we can make it easier on you than it would be otherwise. 

Practical Stress Management Techniques for Daily Life

You can’t eliminate stress. Not in the wake of suffering an at-work injury. But, you can take steps to minimize it. To be able to reduce it, to deal with stress moving forward. 

Perhaps the most important step: establish a routine and stick to it. This is a big one. Indeed, it can have a trickle down effect for the rest of your life. 

Think about it: starting with a morning routine that involves some meditation, some light exercise (to the extent that you can), some journaling, and spending time doing something that you love — all of that can help so much with stress. 

Why? Because it brings stability and positivity into your life. That way, you aren’t spending every waking moment of the day focused on your injury, your recovery, your case, and so forth. 

That being said, scheduling doesn’t stop just because it’s afternoon. Activity scheduling is a great idea. In this context, that means scheduling what you have to do around that which you want to do. 

So, if you’ve got a day where you have several medical appointments and then a tough conversation with your boss, if you’re able, don’t put them all right after the other. Instead, make sure to put in some time for hobbies, for seeing people/social activities, and so forth. 

It’s all too easy to go into a “hermit mode,” to not see people when you’re recovering from an accident. However, it’s a bad idea. You may be recovering but you’re still living your life. Make sure to make time for that which you want to make time for, too.

Frequently Asked Questions About Managing Stress During Work Injury Cases

Q: How long do most workers’ compensation cases take to settle?

A: Case duration varies significantly based on injury severity, treatment needs, and complexity. Simple cases may resolve in 6-12 months, while complex cases involving permanent disabilities can take 2-3 years or longer.

Q: Is it normal to feel depressed and anxious during a workers’ compensation case?

A: Yes, stress, anxiety, and depression are common reactions to workplace injuries and legal proceedings. These feelings are normal responses to difficult circumstances, but professional counseling can help if symptoms become overwhelming.

Q: Should I accept a settlement offer just to end the stress of waiting?

A: Settlement decisions should be based on adequate compensation for your injuries rather than desire to end stress. Consult with your attorney about whether offers fairly compensate you for medical expenses, lost wages, and permanent disabilities.

Q: Can stress from my case affect my physical recovery?

A: Yes, chronic stress can slow healing, increase pain perception, and compromise immune function. Managing stress through healthy coping strategies supports both mental health and physical recovery.

Q: What should I do if I’m having thoughts of self-harm during my case?

A: Seek immediate professional help by calling the National Suicide Prevention Lifeline at 988 or contacting your local emergency services. These feelings require immediate professional intervention and support.

Q: How can I explain my stress to family members who don’t understand the legal process?

A: Share information about typical case timelines and procedures with family members, and consider including them in appropriate meetings with your attorney to help them understand the complexities involved.

Maintaining Physical Health During Stressful Periods

Light exercise. Gentle exercise. However you define it, that’s what you want to partake in while you recover. Yes, it’s easy to say “oh, I’ll exercise later” or “when I get better,” etc. However, exercising lightly to the extent that you can while you recover can significantly and dramatically reduce your stress levels. 

It could be as simple as walking. If you can’t do that, swimming. If you can’t do that, stretching Remember: exercise doesn’t just help your body, it helps your mind, too. If you can do these activities outside, so much the better. 

Another great way to maintain your physical health during this time: don’t stress eat. Yes, all of us have, at one time or another, “eaten our feelings.” However, if your mobility has been reduced, it’s the last thing you want to do. Nutritious meals can, just like exercise, protect your mind and body. 

Finding Hope and Perspective During Difficult Times

These are just some of the ways that you can make this time less stressful. One method that’s often overlooked: reaching out to the right attorney. Having an experienced work injury attorney by your side can make all of the difference. To see how we can help you to navigate these challenges, schedule a free consultation today.