What Is “Average Weekly Wage” in a Jackson Workers’ Compensation Case?

If you are injured at work in Jackson and are unable to return to your regular job, you may have questions about how much you can receive in workers’ compensation benefits. One important factor used to determine certain Mississippi workers’ compensation benefits is your average weekly wage, commonly referred to as “AWW.”

Under Mississippi workers’ compensation law, your average weekly wage is based on your earnings before your workplace injury and can directly affect the amount of workers’ compensation benefits you receive. Here we explain how average weekly wage is typically determined under Mississippi workers’ compensation law and how an experienced Jackson workers’ compensation lawyer can help you.

How Is Average Weekly Wage Calculated in Jackson Workers’ Compensation Cases?

Under Mississippi workers’ compensation law, average weekly wage is typically based on an employee’s 52-week wage history for the period before the date of injury. However, not every Jackson worker has been employed at the same job for a full year. Mississippi workers’ compensation guidance addresses these situations. If a Jackson employee has worked fewer than 52 weeks, the worker’s total gross wages are typically divided by the number of weeks worked.

For workers with little or no wage history, usually four weeks or fewer, the wages of a similarly situated employee may instead be used to determine average weekly wage.

Why Does AWW Matter in a Jackson Workers’ Compensation Claim?

Average weekly wage matters because it is used to calculate disability compensation. Mississippi workers’ compensation law provides that the compensation rate is typically 66 2⁄3% of the employee’s AWW, subject to applicable statutory minimum and maximum amounts.

This means an incorrect average weekly wage calculation could potentially affect the amount of workers’ compensation benefits an injured Jackson worker receives. Questions about AWW can become particularly important when a worker has fluctuating earnings, recently started the job, or receives compensation beyond ordinary wages.

What If You Disagree With Your Average Weekly Wage?

It is important that injured Jackson workers do not automatically assume that the AWW calculated by your employer or its workers’ compensation insurance carrier is correct. Pay records and other employment information may be important in determining whether the appropriate earnings were included.

An experienced Jackson workers’ compensation lawyer can review your wage history and the calculation used to determine your benefits and address disputes concerning the amount you are entitled to receive.

A Jackson Workers’ Compensation Lawyer Can Fight for Your Workers’ Compensation Benefits

There is no question that the amount of workers’ compensation benefits you receive can make a significant difference when an injury prevents you from earning your normal income. An experienced Jackson workers’ compensation lawyer can evaluate your claim, review your AWW calculation, address disputes with your employer or its insurer, and fight for the Mississippi workers’ compensation benefits you may be entitled to receive.

The experienced Jackson workers’ compensation lawyers at Lunsford Baskin & Priebe, PLLC fight for injured Mississippi workers. Contact Lunsford Baskin & Priebe, PLLC today to speak with an experienced Jackson workers’ compensation lawyer about your case.

Source:

dfa.ms.gov/sites/default/files/Insurance%20Home/Worker%27s%20Compensation%20Forms/MS%20WC%20Claims%20Ref%20Guide%202025.pdf?utm_source=chatgpt.com