If you are injured at work, you are entitled to receive compensation benefits. These benefits may include payments for lost wages, medical benefits, and, in some cases, permanent disability benefits.
Calculating benefits in California can be complex. There are many factors to consider, such as the type of injury, the severity of the injury, and the worker’s salary.
Regular weekly salary
The first step in calculating workers’ compensation benefits is determining the worker’s regular weekly wage. The regular weekly wage is the average wage the worker earned in the 52 weeks prior to the injury.
To calculate the average weekly wage, the worker must add all the wages he has received in the 52 weeks prior to the injury. You must then divide that amount by 52.
Loss of wages
Wage loss payments are payments that the worker receives to compensate for the income he loses due to his injury. They are calculated based on the worker’s usual weekly salary.
Compensation for loss of wages amounts to 66.66% of the worker’s usual weekly salary, up to a maximum of $1,251.38 per week.
Medical benefits
Workers’ compensation medical benefits cover all medical expenses related to the injury, including:
- Hospital expenses
- Medical expenses
- Rehabilitation expenses
Workers’ compensation medical benefits are unlimited.
Permanent disability benefits
Permanent disability benefits will be paid to workers who suffer an injury that prevents them from working permanently. These benefits may include:
- A single payment
- Monthly payments
The severity of the injury and the worker’s salary are the determining factors for the amount of permanent disability benefits.
Promptly filing a workers’ compensation claim is crucial and cannot be overlooked. The claim must be filed with the California Division of Workers’ Compensation (DWC).
If you suffer an injury at work in California, do not hesitate to contact the team at Julie O Legal. We can help you claim the benefits to which you are entitled.