A workplace injury can cut off the paycheck your household depends on. By filing a workers’ compensation claim, you can receive benefits to help replace a portion of that lost income. However, calculating that amount correctly and paying it on time is rarely as simple as it should be.
At Kemmitt, Sanford & Kramer, our St. Paul workers’ compensation attorneys hold insurance companies to the payments state law requires, and we fight to correct shortfalls when they occur. Call (877) 630-7338 for a free, no-obligation consultation to find out what your lost wage claim is worth.
How Much Can St. Paul Workers Receive for Lost Wage Benefits?
Minnesota calculates wage loss benefits at two-thirds of your average weekly wage before the injury, subject to an annual state maximum that is adjusted every October. Your average weekly wage should reflect your full earnings, including your base hourly rate, regular overtime, bonuses, commissions, and tips.
If your hours or pay varies from week to week, the calculation looks back over a longer stretch of pay records to find a fair average. Kemmitt, Sanford & Kramer will review your earnings history line by line to confirm that your wage-loss benefits match what you were paid.
Understanding the Different Types of Wage Loss Compensation in St. Paul
You may be eligible for several categories of wage loss compensation, depending on the severity of your injuries and the extent of your recovery. These include:
Temporary Partial Disability: This temporary disability benefit applies when you return to work in a light-duty or part-time role that pays less than what you earned before your injury. It covers a portion of the difference between your prior wages and your current earnings while your recovery continues.
Temporary Total Disability: This benefit is available when your injury prevents you from working at all during your recovery. Payments generally continue for up to 130 weeks, or until you are medically cleared to return to work.
Permanent Partial Disability: This benefit compensates for lasting impairment to a specific body part after you have reached maximum medical improvement. The amount is based on a statutory disability schedule that assigns a percentage rating to your impairment.
Permanent Total Disability: This benefit applies when your injury permanently prevents you from returning to any form of work. It is intended to replace a portion of your income for the remainder of your working life.
What to Do If the Insurance Company Miscalculates Your Weekly Check
If your weekly check seems lower than it should be, you have the right to request a review and correction of your benefit amount. Start by gathering your pay stubs and tax records from the months leading up to your injury so you have a clear record of your actual earnings. If you do not have legal representation yet, contact a St. Paul workers’ compensation lawyer as soon as possible. An attorney can request the wage documentation on your behalf, identify errors in the insurer’s math, and push for a correction based on the available evidence.
Contact a Lost Wages in Workers’ Comp Attorney in St. Paul Today
Lost wages can put strain on your household while you are recovering from a severe injury. In these situations, Kemmitt, Sanford & Kramer will work diligently to secure the workers’ compensation benefits that you are owed. Contact our firm today to schedule your free consultation with a St. Paul workers’ comp attorney.
