In cases of workers’ compensation claims, what is a concerning factor if the claimant has a history of poor job performance?

A claimant's history of poor job performance raises significant concerns, particularly the potential for termination or firing. If an employee has a track record of underperformance, it may lead to increased scrutiny regarding their motivations for filing a workers' compensation claim. This scrutiny can emerge if the employer perceives that the claim could be a means for the employee to escape potential job loss or a mechanism to gain financial benefits when their employment situation is already precarious.

In this context, it's essential to understand how an employee's performance history can be a red flag when assessing the legitimacy of claims. Employers might become suspicious of a claim filed shortly after a documented pattern of poor job performance, as it may appear that the claimant is attempting to leverage the workers' compensation system to cover potential job loss or financial difficulties due to their work deficiencies. This dynamic makes it crucial for claims processors and insurance adjusters to evaluate the claimant's full employment history alongside the details of the claim.