More Money in Your Checks

More Money in Your Workers' Compensation Checks

An injured worker who is totally disabled is entitled to weekly benefit checks in the amount of 2/3rds of his or her gross average weekly wage, up to a maximum of $450.00 per week. “Gross wages” must include tips, overtime pay, bonuses and commissions. The average is calculated based on your wages the 13 weeks before your on-the-job injury. If you had not worked at the job 13 weeks before you got hurt, the average weekly wage may be determined using a co-worker with a similar job.

Many times, the workers compensation insurance adjuster will “short-change” the injured worker in the amount of the weekly workers compensation checks. For example, if the adjuster does not add the worker’s tips, bonuses, or commissions, the weekly workers compensation check will be too low. An aggressive attorney is often needed to examine your pay records to determine if you are owed more money.