If you had a second job at the time that you were injured at work, you probably are entitled to additional workers’ comp benefits.  In Massachusetts, workers’ comp weekly benefits are paid at a percentage of your average weekly wage (“AWW”).  In the case of an employee who had two jobs at the time of the work accident, the AWW from the job where the employee was injured are combined with the AWW from the concurrent employer.  The weekly workers’ comp rate is calculated based on the combined AWW from both jobs.

For example, John Smith is hurt at his full-time job where he is paid $12.00 per hour or $480.00 per week.  John Smith also worked 20 hours a week part-time at another job where he was paid $10.00 per hour or $200.00 per week.  John Smith’s combined AWW from both jobs is $680.00.  Because of his concurrent employment, John Smith may be entitled to another $120.00 per week in temporary total disability benefits.

Most employees don’t know that they may be entitled to extra workers’ comp from a second job, and most insurance companies won’t ask if the injured worker had a second job.  That’s more money that the insurer would have to pay in workers’ comp which cuts into their profits.  That’s another reason why you need to contact a workers’ comp lawyer as soon as possible after you suffer a disabling work injury.

Copyright © 2009 John J. Sheehan