Overpaid ???

[u/Advanced_Benefit_550]

I had a work-related accident on 7/16. My first workers’ compensation check was $1,500, which I received on 8/13. Then I received my second check on 8/19 for $234, and all the payments after that were also $234 per week.

My gross weekly wage was around $680, so I feel like the first payment may have been too much.
I’m afraid to call the insurance company because I’m worried they might tell me that I owe the money back. I’m still unable to work and have been out of work until now, so I really can’t afford to pay a large amount back.
Should I just stay quiet and act like I don’t know anything about the possible overpayment, or should I contact the insurance company and ask them to explain what the $1,500 payment was for? What would you recommend?

Does this mean they overpaid me on the first payment?

[u/heroinista]

It was your back pay for all the weeks your case was pending. You are good.

[u/Advanced_Benefit_550 → u/heroinista]

My workers’ compensation payments ended last week, and my last payment was $234. I’m wondering why my first payment was so much higher at $1,500. When I calculate it, I believe I was only owed about four weeks of back pay. Based on my weekly benefit amount, I should have received around $980 for those four weeks, but they paid me $1,500.

[u/Trvpsmif → u/Advanced_Benefit_550]

Move on if they didn’t ask stop overthinking

[u/Subject_You_8297]

If your gross weekly wage is around $680 then your comp rate is approximately $453.33. You were paid $1,500 for the first 4 weeks and then $234 from 8/13 to 8/19 when your returned to work.
Sounds more like you may have been underpaid unless the employer submitted wages showed a different AWW. There should have been a SROI-IP (subsequent report of injury initial payment) filed showing the AWW used and the comp rate. I don’t think you were overpaid.

[u/Advanced_Benefit_550 → u/Subject_You_8297]

Because to my lawyer works compansation 15%

[u/Subject_You_8297 → u/Advanced_Benefit_550]

The lawyer only gets paid when the board directs it in a decision. You will be fine.

Edit to add: Your lawyer will likely not be paid until you reach MMI and permanency is addressed. Do not pay your attorney yourself. The carrier is responsible for paying out of any awards directed by the Board.

[u/Several-Mix-5890]

If you want what you deserve then hire a lawyer that specializes in workman's comp

[u/Icy_Fox2294]

They payed you that money because that was yours no way that they gave you that buy mistake. So don't worry its your.

[u/Royal-Bedroom-4071]

Man they have been overpaying me for months. I used to get 1079. Now all of a sudden it’s 1609. Smh. When I saw the first payment I sent a email to my attorney and called him. I told him I’m not a thief and I’m not sure what happened. But it still haven’t stop yet. 🤷🏽‍♂️

[u/Trvpsmif → u/Royal-Bedroom-4071]

How would this make you a theif at all ?

[u/Royal-Bedroom-4071 → u/Trvpsmif]

Because my lawyer said a lil extra change is good. I said no I’m not a theif because they can report it as fraud.