If accurate weekly wages cannot be determined from the Employer's First Report of Injury, how should the temporary disability rate be calculated?

• A. Pay minimum temporary disability
• B. Pay maximum temporary disability
• C. Delay payment and request a wage statement
• D. Average actual weekly earnings and pay accordingly

Answer: (D)

The approach to calculating the temporary disability rate in cases where accurate weekly wages cannot be determined from the Employer's First Report of Injury is to average the actual weekly earnings and pay accordingly. This method ensures that the payment reflects a more reasonable approximation of what the injured worker would have earned had they not been injured, thereby providing a fair compensation during their period of temporary disability.

This averaging process considers the worker's earnings over a relevant time frame, taking into account fluctuations in income that might result from variable hours or different pay rates. By utilizing this calculated average, it helps create a more equitable temporary disability rate that aligns with the individual's typical earnings, rather than relying on arbitrary minimum or maximum thresholds that may not accurately represent their financial situation.

In situations where accurate wages are not readily available, opting for an average provides a balanced solution that can accommodate various employment scenarios while ensuring compliance with regulations governing disability benefits.