Unfortunately, it’s not uncommon for employees to receive surprisingly low compensation, leaving them wondering how was their claim evaluated and why its value is so little.
Suffering from work injuries can lead workers to be temporarily or permanently disabled, out of a job, in chronic pain, isolated at home, and feeling pressured by medical bills piling up when they cannot bring an income.
Many individuals in this situation file a workers’ compensation claim with high hopes for a settlement that will cover all the distress they suffer. Unfortunately, it’s not uncommon for employees to receive surprisingly low compensation, leaving them wondering how was their claim evaluated and why its value is so little.
When it comes to our health, we can’t really put a price on all the things we are feeling and going through. However, workers’ compensation is supposed to help workers maintain a normal life after being injured at work and perhaps left with a disability. So, why is your case worth so little?
Workers’ Compensation Is Not Taxable
One of the reasons why workers’ compensation benefits seem to be less than they should, has to do with taxation. Your weekly rate of workers’ comp should value about 80% of your average weekly spendable earnings. “Spendable earnings” are your earnings after all the taxes have been paid. It’s what you can actually spend, and of course, it will be lower if you expected something calculated from your gross earnings.
If you have been working for an hourly rate and your weekly pay varied, the average is calculated based on the 13 weeks of work prior to the accident.
Because workers’ compensation benefits are not taxable, they will generally be calculated based on your net earnings.
What Other Factors Go Into Calculating Workers’ Comp Benefits?
Your workers’ compensation benefits are determined by a very precise calculation that can get complicated at times.
Other factors that are used to calculate the benefits are:
- Marital status
- Tax exemptions
- The number of dependents you claim
- The percentage of disability you are suffering from
- Limits of the amount you can get weekly
- The number of days worked in a full year
How to Get All of the Workers’ Compensation Benefits You Are Entitled To
In order to build a strong case and maximize your chance of getting fair compensation, it’s absolutely recommended to work with an experienced St. Louis work injury attorney. They will be able to tell you what expectations would be realistic for your particular case.
You are entitled to a written record of how your benefits were calculated, and with the help of an attorney, you can identify the possible issues.
Speak With an Experienced Work Injury Lawyer in St. Louis
If you have been injured at work it is a good idea to get in touch with a St. Louis workers compensation lawyer as soon as possible and have them review your case. The sooner you speak with an attorney the sooner you can begin protecting your legal right to compensation after a work injury.