California to Raise Max Benefits Over $183 Per Week
According to a press release from the California Workers’ Compensation Institute (CWCI), workers’ compensation benefits are increasing dramatically this year. The sharp increase is in response to a historic rise in California’s State Average Weekly Wage.
At Levin & Nalbandyan, LLP, we fight for people to receive the benefits that they deserve after getting sick or injured at work. Our dedicated legal team has over a decade of experience filing workers’ compensation claims for injured employees throughout Los Angeles. If you were hurt on the job, contact our office at (213) 232-4848 to speak with a lawyer now.
Workers’ Compensation Benefits Record Increase
As noted by the CWCI, California’s State Average Weekly Wage (SAWW) rose over 13.5% last year, which requires an increase in the temporary total disability and permanent total disability rates for the new year. For workers injured on the job, this means significantly more money for the workers’ comp claim.
The October 25 release states that California’s SAWW was $1,383 in the first quarter of 2020 and is projected to be $1,570 by the end of the first quarter in 2022. Because of this increase, the maximum temporary total disability (TTD) and permanent total disability (PTD) rates which are currently at $1,356.31 per week, will increase to $1,539.71 for injury claims that occur on or after January 1, 2022.
Minimum Weekly Workers’ Compensation Rate Increases
It is not only the maximum weekly benefits that will see an increase in the new year. The minimum weekly TTD/PTD rates will also increase. Currently, the minimum weekly rate is $203.44 per week. For injury claims occurring on or after January 1, the weekly rate will increase to $230.95.
Other Workers’ Compensation Benefits Going Up
With the maximum TTD/PTD rates set to increase by $183.40 per week, other workers’ compensation benefits are going up this year as well.
2022 increases were announced for:
- TTD paid two years or more after injury
- Life pension
- PTD payments for injuries on or after January 1, 2003
- Installment payments on death claims
These increases will help injured workers and their families manage unprecedented rises in the cost of living. To learn more about these and other changes to California workers’ compensation benefits in 2022, contact our office.
Injured at Work? Contact Our Office for a Free Consultation!
Were you injured while on the job, or did you get sick at work? Contact our office for a free and confidential consultation at (213) 232-4848. Our trial lawyers will guide you through the legal process, helping you understand your rights to workers’ compensation and whether you are eligible for these benefits.
At Levin & Nalbandyan, we understand how challenging an on-the-job injury or illness can be. You may be afraid of losing your position or retaliation for filing a claim, but we are here to help. State and federal law guarantees injured workers the right to compensation and protection from being fired or laid off.
You should never have to worry about losing your job because you were injured at work. Even if your initial claim was denied, we might be able to help. Call now to get started.
