Yes, a card.
Not a legal maneuver, not a claims system overhaul—just a sincere, timely, personal note from a supervisor or team member that tells the injured employee: We see you. We care. And we want you back.
If that sounds too simple to matter, stick with us. Because the get-well card strategy is more than just kind—it’s tactical. And it could help you prevent more claims from ever reaching a courtroom.
Why Injured Workers Lawyer Up: The Role of Fear
The root causes of workers’ comp litigation are not primarily legal issues. They’re emotional ones.
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“Avoid the 3 Primary Reasons Injured Workers’ Hire Attorneys”
The number one reason workers hire attorneys? Fear.
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Fear they’ll lose their job.
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Fear their claim was denied (or ignored).
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Fear their employer thinks they’re faking it.
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Fear no one cares.
In fact, according to a WCRI study:
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33% of injured workers feared being fired.
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48% of those who feared being fired hired an attorney.
Those fears are often based on perception, not reality. But perception drives behavior. And when an employee feels like their livelihood is threatened—or that they’re being cast as dishonest—it’s easy to see why they seek legal protection.
The challenge for employers is to interrupt that fear spiral before it starts. And that’s where the get-well card comes in.
A $2 Card That Can Save Thousands
So why does a get-well card matter?
Because it sends a message that’s rarely communicated clearly: We value you, and we want you back.
Injured workers are often isolated—both physically and emotionally. They’re not at work. They’re in pain. Their paychecks may be reduced. They’re dealing with medical visits, bills, and uncertainty. A card from their supervisor or team can cut through that silence and replace it with connection.
This doesn’t need to be complicated or fancy. In fact, the simpler and more personal, the better.
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Who should send it? Ideally, the direct supervisor or someone with a personal relationship to the employee.
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What should it say? Something like:
“Hey John, I heard about your injury—just wanted to say we miss you at the shop and hope you’re on the mend. Looking forward to seeing you again soon. Let me know if you need anything.” -
When should it be sent? Within 48–72 hours of the injury. Early contact is key to showing care and reducing uncertainty.
It’s not just about the card—it’s about what the card represents. It’s a human moment in a process that can otherwise feel cold and bureaucratic.
The Hidden ROI of Trust
If you run a high-integrity workers’ comp program, then you know the goal is not just to close claims—it’s to do the right thing. And that includes showing care when someone gets hurt.
But care isn’t just good ethics—it’s good business.
Trust reduces litigation. It reduces duration. It increases the likelihood that an injured worker will:
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Be honest about their limitations
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Participate in transitional duty
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Return to work faster
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Avoid retaining legal counsel
The get-well card doesn’t solve everything—but it starts something. It sets the tone. It opens the door for further communication. And it shows the employee that they’re still part of the team.
Supervisor or Work Comp Coordinator: Who Should Sign It?
The closer the relationship, the better.
If the card comes from a corporate HR department or is a generic message from “ABC Corp,” it may still be appreciated—but it won’t carry the same weight as one from someone the injured worker knows and trusts.
Think about it this way: which holiday card means more—the one from a store you shop at, or the one from your favorite sales associate who remembers your size and style?
That’s the impact a personal get-well card can have in workers’ comp.
The Follow-Up Matters
One card won’t fix a broken process—but it can help build momentum. Once the initial contact is made, follow up:
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A check-in phone call from the supervisor
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A call from the claims coordinator explaining benefits
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A return-to-work conversation when medically appropriate
The card is the spark. The relationship is the fuel.
A Simple Strategy Worth Starting Today
If you’re looking for a low-cost, high-impact way to reduce your litigation rate in the next 90 days, this is it. The get-well card strategy is easy to implement, and it aligns with the broader principles of a best-in-class comp program:
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Care for people.
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Communicate early and often.
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Build trust before problems arise.
So go grab a pack of cards. Share this idea with your supervisors. And start turning compassion into a tactical advantage.
Because when it comes to avoiding litigation, the best battles are the ones you never have to fight.
Michael Stack, CEO of Amaxx LLC, is an expert in workers’ compensation cost containment systems and provides education, training, and consulting to help employers reduce their workers’ compensation costs by 20% to 50%. He is co-author of the #1 selling comprehensive training guide “Your Ultimate Guide to Mastering Workers’ Comp Costs: Reduce Costs 20% to 50%.” Stack is the creator of Injury Management Results (IMR) software and founder of Amaxx Workers’ Comp Training Center. WC Mastery Training teaching injury management best practices such as return to work, communication, claims best practices, medical management, and working with vendors. IMR software simplifies the implementation of these best practices for employers and ties results to a Critical Metrics Dashboard.
Contact: mstack@reduceyourworkerscomp.com.
Workers’ Comp Roundup Blog: http://blog.reduceyourworkerscomp.com/
Injury Management Results (IMR) Software: https://imrsoftware.com/
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Do not use this information without independent verification. All state laws vary. You should consult with your insurance broker, attorney, or qualified professional.
