The Massachusetts Department of Industrial Accidents has announced the new State Average Weekly Wage, the Maximum Compensation Rate, and the Minimum Compensation Rate for injuries on or after October 1, 2017.
The Maximum Compensation Rate is $1,338.05 for injuries on or after October 1, 2017.
The Minimum Compensation Rate is $267.61 for injuries on or after October 1, 2017.
With respect to the COLA multipliers under Section 34B, for all dates of injury on 12/24/1991 and after , use the multipliers in column 8 times the correct weekly base benefit.
With respect to the COLA multipliers under Section 34B, for all dates of injury prior to and including 12/23/1991 , use the multipliers in column 5. Remember that the new adjusted weekly benefit after 10/1/2017 can never exceed $1,338.05, regardless of date of injury.
Please be sure to verify you have filed for COLA reimbursement on claims for dates of injury prior to and including 12/23/1991 within two years of the date payments were made.
This Circular Letter also updates the Attorneys’ Fee Schedule under Section 13A for all proceedings before the DIA effective 10/1/2017.
Please call Attorney John Canniff at 617-242-9600 x 207 ( [email protected] ) or Attorney Ryan Schaiberger at 617-242-9600 x 268 ( [email protected] ) with any questions.
The Circular Letter #352, the Annual COLA/SAWW announcement dated October 2, 2017 (effective October 1, 2017), published by the DIA today, is attached here for your review.