['To compare health outcomes among claimants compared to those who were ineligible or choose not to lodge a compensation claim. We also evaluated the effect of an early intervention programme on the health outcomes of the participants.', 'Prospective comparative study using sequential cohorts.', 'People presenting to hospital emergency departments with mild to moderate musculoskeletal injuries following road traffic crashes.', 'referral to an early intervention programme for assessment by musculoskeletal physician, pain management education, promotion of self-management and encouragement of early activity.', 'The 36-Item Short-Form Survey (SF-36); Hospital Anxiety and Depression Scale (HADS) and Functional Rating Index (FRI) scores were assessed at post-crash and at 12 months.', "At 12 months, mean scores in six and five of the SF-36 domains were significantly lower among participants who claimed compensation versus those who chose not to claim or were ineligible, respectively. Differences in mean SF-36 scores ranged from 3.0 ('general health perception') to 8.0 units ('role limitations due to physical problems'). Participants who claimed compensation had 6.3- and 4.6-units lower SF-36 physical component score compared to those who were ineligible (p=0.001) or chose not to claim (p=0.01), respectively. Participants who claimed compensation reported a worse HADS-depression score of 6.46 versus 4.97 and 4.69 observed in those who were ineligible (p=0.04) or did not claim (p=0.01). Claimants had worse FRI scores compared to non-claimants (p=0.01) and those who were ineligible (p=0.01). The early intervention did not improve health outcomes, 12 months after injury."] Is the health status of people claiming compensation for musculoskeletal injuries following road traffic crashes altered by an early intervention programme : a comparative study?