Why AWW is the Most Important Number in Your Case
Your AWW represents your typical earnings before your injury and serves as the foundation for your wage replacement benefits. In Illinois, this is generally calculated based on your gross earnings during the 52 weeks leading up to your accident.
Common Factors That Complicate the Math
As Jack Epstein explains, calculating this isn’t always straightforward. Several factors can shift the final number:
- Overtime and Bonuses: While typically excluded, they may be included if the overtime was mandatory or a regular part of your income.
- Lost Time: If you missed more than 5 days of work in that 52-week period, those days should be deducted from the divisor, which actually increases your weekly benefit.
- Concurrent Employment: If you held a second job at the time of the accident, those earnings might also be included in your AWW.
Expert Insight: Don’t Let the Insurance Company Do the Math
“Average weekly wage is a very difficult question… it’s important that you call an attorney because different types of payments can affect payments to you.” — Jack Epstein
