If your employer carries workers’ compensation insurance, they should reimburse you for the wages you lost and medical bills you incurred after experiencing a workplace accident and subsequently a work-related injury. Now, they may not simply estimate how much this has cost you, but rather they will use precise formulas to determine what you are owed. That said, please read on to discover how workers’ compensation insurance calculates the lost wage benefits they distribute to you and how a seasoned Panama City work injury attorney at Manuel & Thompson, PA can work to ensure you are being compensated fairly.

How does workers’ compensation insurance calculate lost wage benefits?

Firstly, your employer may determine your average weekly wage (AWW). For this, they may look at your earnings in the 13 weeks immediately before your workplace accident, including your wage rate or salary, overtime pay, commissions, bonuses, etc., and then divide that number by 13.

From here, you may receive a percentage of your AWW in lost wage benefits, depending on the disability benefits category you fall under. More specific examples read as follows:

  • If you are temporarily unable to work, you may receive temporary total disability benefits:
    • Here, you may be paid two-thirds (66.66 percent) of your AWW.
  • If you can only return to work at a limited capacity, you may receive temporary partial disability benefits:
    • Here, you may be paid 80 percent of the difference between your pre-injury wages and post-injury earning capacity.
  • If you retain some ability to work with a permanent injury or disability, you may receive permanent impairment benefits:
    • Here, you may be paid 75 percent of your temporary total disability rate.
  • If you can no longer work in any job in any capacity, you may receive permanent total disability benefits.
    • Here, you may be paid two-thirds (66.66 percent) of your AWW.

It is worth mentioning that statutory maximums are imposed for all these benefits, and their durations may vary. It is best to consult your attorney so you know what to expect.

How do I ensure I get the right disability status for my claim?

It is unideal if, say, your employer classifies you as an eligible candidate for temporary total disability benefits when, in reality, you require permanent total disability benefits. This is one of the many reasons why you must provide your employer with sufficient medical records detailing the diagnosis of your work-related injury and the extent of its prescribed treatment plan.

Even one step further, to have your medical records accurately reflect your current condition, you must clearly and openly communicate your symptoms and limitations to your treating physician. On your end, you should do everything in your power to precisely follow your physician’s prescribed treatment plan. This is so you may recover when you are supposed to so there is no gap between receiving workers’ compensation benefits and your normal wages.

No matter what, you do not need to feel alone in this process. One of the competent Panama City personal injury attorneys is ready to be in your corner and support you throughout. So please reach out to Manuel & Thompson, PA whenever you are ready.