I was hurt at work and am getting workers comp benefits but have a second job that I can't do because of my work injury. Will that affect the amount of my workers compensation benefits?

 

A: The D.C. Workers Compensation Act allows an injured worker to combine 2 incomes from different employers during the 26 weeks before the employee was injured on the job.  For example, a mechanic who tears a rotator cuff while working on a bus may be paid $1000.00 per week by the bus company.  If he also works at a grocery store part time and earns $200.00 per week at that job, his average weekly wage will be $1,200.00 and his workers compensation benefits, or temporary total disability, will be 2/3 of that, or $800.00 per week. 

In Virginia, the injured employee's average weekly wage is calculated based on the earnings of the 52 weeks before the work injury.  If the injured worker was emplyed at a second job performing similar services, the earnings of the 2 jobs can be combined.

Both D.C. and Virginia include all gross wages (before tax income) and tips, bonuses, overtime, etc.

There is a cap on benefits in both D.C. and Virginia that is adjusted every year.  Cost of Living (COLA) increases are available in some cases and determined every year.