When an injured worker qualifies for workers’ compensation disability benefits in North Carolina, the amount of the benefit paid weekly is typically two-thirds of his or her pre-injury average weekly wage. However payments are limited to the maximum weekly compensation rate.
The North Carolina Industrial Commission establishes annually the Maximum Weekly Compensation rate for the year. This is the most an employee can receive in weekly disability benefits paid by the employer, no matter how much the employee was making prior to the injury. The NC General Assembly has also established a minimum rate of $30 per week.
The correct calculation of the Average Weekly Wage is very important in a workers’ comp case, and should be carefully reviewed. Please call or email if you would like free consultation with a Raleigh area NC workers’ comp lawyer to discuss your average weekly wage, your compensation rate, or other issues relating to your North Carolina workers’ compensation claim.
