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You’re not alone. Our Michigan workers’ comp lawyers have been called the best in the state, and we pride ourselves on providing you with care, trust, and responsiveness.

What do all these strange numbers mean and how to calculate the weekly comp rate?

We published a blog yesterday discussing fringe benefits and the statewide average weekly wage. How some claimants do not get extra money despite losing their health insurance or vacation time. Fringe benefits cannot be used to increase the weekly comp rate beyond 2/3 the statewide average weekly age.

Calculating the weekly comp rate seems easy enough. It is supposed to be 80% of a persons’ after-tax average weekly wage. This is based upon the highest 39 paid weeks in the last 52 weeks before injury.

We are fond of saying math errors happen and they are never in your favor. Disabled employees often end up getting less than is required under Michigan law. Here are some key numbers to understand.

Statewide Average Weekly Wage (SAWW)

The statewide average weekly wage is $999.31 for 2018. Wage loss benefits are going to be limited by this amount regardless of how much a person earned at work.

90% of SAWW (Maximum)

Lost wages are capped at 90% of the SAWW regardless of income. The maximum weekly comp rate is $900.00. It does not matter if a person plays for the Detroit Lions or is a general laborer.

2/3 of SAWW

Fringe benefits cannot be included if the weekly comp rate exceeds 2/3 of SAWW. This amount is $666.21.

50% of SAWW (Minimum Benefit for Death Cases)

The minimum weekly comp rate when a death occurs is $499.66.

25% of SAWW (Minimum Benefit for Specific Loss and T&P)

Individuals with a specific loss or who qualify for T&P are entitled to a minimum of $249.83.

Michigan Workers Comp Lawyers never charges a fee to evaluate a potential case. Our law firm has represented injured and disabled workers exclusively for more than 35 years. Call (844) 201-9497 for a free consultation today.

Related information:

WCA: State Average Weekly Wage Chart

Photo courtesy of Creative Commons, by AJC1.

Author Bio Jeffrey Kaufman

Author
Jeffrey E. Kaufman
Michigan Workers Comp Attorney

Jeffrey E. Kaufman has extensive experience in workers compensation cases and has recovered millions of dollars in benefits for his clients. He believes all injured workers deserve to be on equal footing with insurance companies and employers, and fights tenaciously so their rights are secured and protected.


“Jeff also helped me with getting my Blue Cross bills paid. I would absolutely recommend him and the whole firm. Jeff and the firm did everything they were supposed to do for me and my case.”
Ricardo Perfetto

Hundreds of 5-Star Reviews

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Get Help From our Michigan Workers’ Comp Lawyers Today

You’re not alone. Our Michigan workers’ comp lawyers have been called the best in the state, and our clients love how they’re treated with care, respect, and responsiveness. We will give you the time you need, we will explain your legal rights, and we will always treat you with respect.

Our workers’ compensation and Social Security disability lawyers always put your needs first. Get to know your legal team.

Our attorneys post regularly about common issues related to workers’ comp, including common injuries, settlement calculations, laws, and more.

Injured? It’s Time to Get Some Answers

Don’t let the insurance adjuster push you around. Request your free consultation today.

"*" indicates required fields

This field is for validation purposes and should be left unchanged.

Our attorneys post regularly about common issues related to workers’ comp, including common injuries, settlement calculations, laws, and more.

Our workers’ compensation and Social Security disability lawyers always put your needs first. Get to know your legal team.