Average Weekly Wage in Workers’ Compensation Claims

If you or your family member were injured at work, Ohio’s workers’ compensation program may be available to assist you financially in your time of need.  If you are like most other Ohioans, though, chances are you do not know much about how your workers’ compensation payments will be calculated.  In fact, the term “average weekly wage” may be completely foreign to you, and that is okay.

The workers’ compensation lawyers of Lowe Scott Fisher Co., LPA know that understanding your rights and benefits eligibility is difficult.  To non-lawyers, the applications, evidentiary requirements, and appeals process can make filing a workers’ compensation application seem impossible.  That is why Lowe Scott Fisher offers free consultations to Ohio workers and their families following an on-the-job injury.

When you call or visit the office, your attorney will take the time to help you understand your eligibility, your obligations, and how your benefits will be calculated.  With experienced counsel to guide you through the workers’ compensation system, you can expedite your claim and ensure that you receive the most assistance available in your case.

For a one-on-one consultation, call or email now.  Or, to learn more about how your benefits may be calculated based on your average weekly wage, read on below.

What Is the Average Weekly Wage?

Generally speaking, the average weekly wage in a workers’ compensation scenario is the injured worker’s total wages for the year prior to the date of injury divided by 52.  This calculation does not use the calendar year, but the elapsed year.  So, if an individual was injured on October 19, the earnings year used would be from October 19 of the prior year through the date of injury.

There are exceptions to this calculation method.  For example, if you are injured at a young age or were unable to work during the 52 weeks preceding your injury.  These exceptions require a more complex calculation of the average weekly wage, and hiring an attorney in these situations is strongly recommended.

Why Is the Average Weekly Wage Important?

The average weekly wage is important because it serves as the basis for calculating the amount of workers’ compensation available in most instances.  A miscalculation that undervalues an injured worker’s average weekly wage can result in the worker receiving less than the full measure of benefits available.  Having an attorney assist with the calculation can ensure that you receive the maximum amount allowed by law.

What are Some of the Formulas That Use the Average Weekly Wage?

As stated above, the average weekly wage is used in a variety of workers’ compensation formulas.  Some of these include:

• Temporary Total Disability (TTD) Benefits—a worker may receive 72% of the AWW for the first 12 weeks of disability, and 2/3 of the AWW thereafter, subject to weekly minimum and maximum allowances
• Permanent Total Disability (PTD) Benefits—a worker may receive 2/3 of the AWW, subject to weekly minimum and maximum allowances
• Permanent Partial Disability (PPD) Benefits—a worker may receive a percentage of the AWW, subject to a weekly maximum allowance

Contact an Ohio Workers’ Compensation Lawyer Now

The information provided above is of a general nature and will not be applicable in all cases.  To protect your rights and maximize your benefits in your specific situation, you need to contact an attorney to assist you.

Injured Ohio workers should know that Lowe Scott Fisher Co., LPA is here to help.  Call or email now to schedule your free initial consultation.