Why increasing the federal minimum wage could have a big impact on your workers compensation benefits.
The Detroit Free Press reported last week on a nationwide strike in the fast food industry. Employees in nearly 60 cities walked out of their jobs hoping to boost their hourly pay from minimum wage of $7.25 to $15.00 per hour.
This is an important issue and we support increasing the federal minimum wage. Employees should be paid enough to support their families. The working poor must not be forgotten and we stand with labor.
Increasing the federal minimum wage could also have a positive impact on workers compensation benefits. The maximum weekly comp rate is directly tied to the state average weekly wage. This means that increasing the federal minimum wage could increase weekly compensation benefits even if a person’s salary does not change.
Lost wages
Workers compensation pays lost wages to individuals who cannot work because of accident or injury. The amount should equal 80% of the after-tax average weekly wage. This is the highest combined 39 weeks in the last 52.
Lost wages are capped at 90% of the state average weekly wage. This amount is $798.00 per week for 2013. This state-wide maximum is devastating for high wage earners who are faced with a substantial reduction in income.
Increasing the state average weekly wage could positively impact the maximum weekly comp rate. This amount is revised every year based upon wage data.
Doing the math
We recommend that you hire an experienced lawyer to review your case and calculate the correct weekly comp rate. Insurance company mistakes are never in your favor.
You are also subject to a one or two year back rule under workers compensation. Waiting too long could mean a loss of substantial benefits.
Call (855) 221-2667 for a free consultation with our workers compensation lawyers. There is never a fee unless you are successful with your case.
– Alex Berman is the founder of Michigan Workers Comp Lawyers. Hes been representing injured and disabled workers exclusively for more than 35 years. Alex has helped countless people obtain workers compensation benefits and never charges a fee to evaluate a case.
Related information:
State Average Weekly Wage Chart
– Photo courtesy of Creative Commons, by freefotouk.
