In calculating benefits, what does 'Max earner at the time of injury' refer to?

• A. Maximum annual earnings the employee had at the time of injury
• B. Employee's current salary after injury
• C. Industry's average wage
• D. Employer's maximum payroll

Answer: (A)

The key idea is that benefits are tied to what the employee earned around the time of the injury. “Max earner at the time of injury” specifically means the employee’s maximum annual earnings on or near the injury date—the wage level used as the basis to determine the maximum benefit rate. This cap helps set the highest benefit an injured worker can receive, regardless of post-injury pay changes. It’s not about the current salary after injury, nor about industry averages or the employer’s payroll. The benefit calculation uses the earnings level at injury to anchor the rate, with the weekly benefit generally linked to a portion of the worker’s earnings but limited by this maximum.