On Variations in Compensation Losses with Changes in Wage Levels

The typical compensation act provides that the injured or, in a case of fatality, his dependents, shall be paid a certain percentage of his average weekly wages but not more than a specified maximum amount nor less than a specified minimum amount, unless the wages of the injured are less than the minimum, in which dase the actual wages shall be paid. This provision for indemnity benefits with variations in the percentage rates and the minimum and maximum amounts paid weekly is found in compensation acts generally.(1) A particular act may further provide several different percentage rates and sets of limits dependent on the type of injury or, in some cases, the number of dependents.(2) The minimum and maximum amounts paid weekly are sometimes not explicit but depend upon minimum and maximum weekly wages.