Each year, new figures representing the maximum weekly comp rate emerge, and this year, the year 2020, that number is $934.00. This is the amount represents what disabled employees are entitled to receive should they ever become unable to work due to a workplace injury, and it’s “limited to 90% of the state-wide weekly age” ($1,037.10). Though this does limit those who’s earning potential was significantly higher before their accident, it still ensures that every disabled employee can count on having substantial financial help when there are no other options. Want to make sure you get everything you’re entitled to, and that you’re not being swindled by insurance estimates? Take a look below to find out how you can double check their math and guarantee correct payouts every time.
Determine Your “Average Weekly Wage” (AWW)
The first step you need to take when figuring out what you deserve is figuring out what your “average weekly wage” is, or AWW. This can be accomplished by taking the pay stubs of your last 52 weeks of work prior to your accident, including all overtime, bonuses, commissions, and other benefits, and taking out the 39 highest paid weeks of the year. Once you have all 39 together, simply add them all up and divide them once again by 39 to reach your final sum. That number is your AWW.
Turn To The Benefits Table For Your Specific Rate
As a disabled employee, your benefits should equal 80% of your after-tax AWW – meaning 80% of the number we just determined together above. You can find this final amount out by either utilizing an online calculator, or viewing the tables issued by the WDCA, which outline rates for each year based on annual AWW, dependent information, and tax filing status.
Don’t Assist In Your Own Downfall
Nine times out of ten, when there’s an error with your benefits and you’re not getting what you should, it’s because you either allowed your insurance company to estimate your earnings based on hourly wage information, or your employer did not cooperate and provide all necessary documentation. The best thing you can do to avoid this is make sure you get involved as much as you can. Inspect your pay stubs personally and submit your 39 highest to your insurance company yourself. If your employer doesn’t want to cooperate, just get in touch with our fierce workers compensation attorneys at Aiello Law Group. Our attorneys will make sure you get everything you deserve, and even avoid pitfalls related to “post-injury wage earning capacity” (PIWEC) assumptions, “phantom wages,” and other ploys often used to take advantage of deserving employees.
Whatever you need, whatever questions you may have, you can always find the legal help and support you’re looking for at Aiello Law Group. Call us, today, at 313.964.4900 or fill out the form in the sidebar or on our contact page, and learn more about how we can help you.
