I ran across a new angle today on average weekly wage that affects employees of airline companies.  As always, non-pecuniary wages are supposed to be included in a claimant’s average weekly wage.  Average weekly wage is the income amount from which benefit amounts are calculated, so the higher it is, the higher workers’ compensation benefits will be.  Airline employees usually get flight privileges that allow them to fly on domestic flights anytime they want if space is available.  This is a valuable employee benefit.  If the cost of airline tickets is included in the wages considered for an average weekly wage determination, it could significantly increase the amount of benefits the injured worker receives.

In a case I handled today, the injured worker used these benefits regularly, like every other week.  To calculate average weekly wage in the most common formula, you just add up the wages earned during the 13 weeks prior to the date of injury and divide by 13.  If you throw in the value of a couple of flights, that adds a little gravy to the benefit calculation.

Anytime you want to figure out if you are being paid the proper benefit rate, you must determine the value of all of the employee benefits.  Even uniforms and meals should be included if provided by the employer.

If you have a question about average weekly wage, or any other workers’ compensation issue, you can email me at matt.lewis@dallasworkcomp.com