Commission Approves 3% Increase on Maximum Compensation Rate
Each year, the maximum “compensation rate” is adjusted to reflect inflation and cost of living increases. An injured worker’s particular compensation rate is determined by the year of injury. Once set, it does not change. Unfortunately, you do NOT get a “raise” when the rates change even though it costs more to pay your bills. Oftentimes, the insurance carrier makes an initial estimate of the compensation rate. And even more often, that initial estimate is deliberately low. Once the employer completes a Form 20, an exact compensation rate is calculated and payments should be adjusted.
During their December 19, 2011 full Commission Business Meeting, the SC Workers’ Compensation Commission approved a 3% increase to the maximum compensation rate for 2012. The rate for 2011 is $704.92 and the new rate beginning January 1 will be $725.47 which is a $20.55 increase over the previous year. Accidents that occur on or after January 1, 2012 will use the new maximum weekly compensation rate.
At Reeves, Aiken & Hightower LLP, our lawyers are experienced workers’ compensation attorneys. Robert J. Reeves is a former Registered Nurse (RN) who has actually treated patients with the same type of serious injuries he now represents in workers’ compensation cases. Both Robert J. Reeves and Arthur K. Aiken are former insurance defense attorneys who know how to anticipate and prepare for defenses and insurance company tactics. During our twenty-two (22) years each of practicing law, we have successfully handled virtually every type of workers’ compensation injuries, including neck, back, shoulder, knee accidents, closed head / brain injury, herniated disks, bulging disks, diskectomy surgery, fusion procedures, arthroscopy, chemical and fire burns, automobile accidents on the job, psychological / post traumatic stress, permanent and total disability claims, and wrongful death. We welcome the opportunity to sit down and personally discuss your case. Compare our attorneys’ credentials to any other firm. Then call us for a private consultation. www.rjrlaw.com