Where did this SAWW come from anyhow?
Where did this SAWW come from anyhow?

Even with the recent Baker v. WCAB decision settling when the increase in state average weekly wage (SAWW) is applied, litigation continues over the precise future SAWW percentage to use in a commutation of life pension benefits. The DEU is currently using an assumed annual SAWW increase of 4.6% “based on a 50 year average.”  ((Andrea Marutti via Compfight))

Before we consider how the DEU calculates future SAWW increases, it is necessary to look back to past SAWW changes.  In the last 50 years there have been only two instances where the SAWW has decreased from the prior year.  Since Labor Code Sections 4659(c) and 4453(a)(10) only apply increases in the SAWW to life pensions and permanent total disability benefits, there is no effect on the benefit rates for those two years.

When the DEU indicates a historical 50-year average of SAWW increases, they mean exactly that.  Thus, instead of averaging the decreases in the SAWW with the increases, the DEU averages only the increases of the historical SAWW data.  (I’ll save you the trouble of looking it up – 2004 and 2011 are the only instances in the last 50 years of any reduction in the state average weekly wage).  An average of just the SAWW increases over the last 50 years does come to 4.6%.

If you’re interested in verifying this information for yourself, I’ve prepared a list of the data used by the DEU in computing the 50-year average of SAWW increases.

Work never sleeps
Work never sleeps

It’s not easy being busy and important.  I get that.  ((Or, rather, I would get it if I were important too.))

And that’s why I’m just trying to make your life just a little bit easier with our new permanent and stationary report rating service.

Need a rating fast?  Need “old schedule” and “new schedule” ratings?

No problem.  Just fill out the handy referral form and fax or e-mail us your permanent and stationary reports and one of our Certified Impairment Rating Specialist will quickly e-mail you the rating you need to move your case forward.  ((A PDRater certified rating is a rating prepared by a Certified Impairment Rating Specialist using PDRater calculators, the most trusted and impartial workers compensation calculators in California.)) ((Alex Lin via Compfight))

 

 

This post has been rated "R" for some rating and mild humor
This post has been rated "R" for some rating and mild humor

We’ve all seen ratings from various sources – the DEU, opposing counsel, clients, and professional raters.  ((Photo Credit: Shira Golding via Compfight))  My question to all of you dear readers is – what do you like to see in a professional permanent disability rating?

 

A new kind of COLA
A new kind of COLA

I’m getting ready to launch a new workers’ compensation calculator and I could use your help.  ((Photo Credit: Davide Reppucci via Compfight)) I still need a few volunteers to help me test a permanent disability, life pension, and total permanent disability COLA commutation calculator.  Right now I need a few applicant attorneys, defense attorneys, and claims examiners.

Here’s what you need:

  • Any free or paid PDRater account
  • A familiarity with DEU COLA commutations
  • A familiarity with recent Baker decision
  • A willingness to answer a few questions

If this sounds like something you would be interested in helping with, please send me an e-mail!