WORK COMP LEGAL UPDATE

TTD RATES REMAIN UNCHANGED FOR 2024

The DWC announced on November 27, 2023 that the new minimum and maximum temporary total disability indemnity rates will remain unchanged from 2023 at $242.86 as the minimum and $1,619.15 as the maximum rates.

The rates are based upon the State Average Weekly Wage, which from March 2022 to March 2023 actually decreased from $1,651 to $1,642.

Note that while the TTD rates remain unchanged, a worker's rate in 2024 may nevertheless increase based upon the increase in the minimum hourly rate in California effective January 1, 2024. For example, TTD benefits being paid based upon a worker's minimum $15.50 per hour wage rate in 2023 would have to be modified based upon a new $16 per hour minimum wage rate in 2024.

[COMMENT: An unchanged rate will be welcomed by employers after 5.16% increase for 2023 and a head-scratching increase of 13.52% increase in 2022 for alleged higher earnings in 2021 during the COVID pandemic.]

2024 MILEAGE RATE ANNOUNCED

The DWC announced that medical and medical-legal mileage travel expenses will increase by 1.5 cents to 67.0 cents per mile effective January 1, 2024.

[COMMENT: The payable rate is consistent with the IRS allowance.]

STOCKTON BOARD IS MOVING

On 12/12/2023 the WCAB's District Office in Stockton will be relocating 17 miles north from its present location to Lodi with the new address as follows:

3021 Reynolds Ranch Parkway

Suite 130

Lodi, CA 95240.

[Same telephone: 209-948-7759].

Main Contributor: H. Neal Wells IV

Editorial Staff: Lynn P. Peterson

HEW&S OFFICES: COVERING ALL OF CALIFORNIA

San Bernardino (909) 890-0403 (sbr@hmplc.com)
Orange County (949) 250-1216 (ana@hmplc.com)
Glendale (818) 265-0940 (cxr@hmplc.com)
Calabasas (818) 348-8366 (cls@hmplc.com)

www.hmplc.com

The above is for informational purposes only, and not intended to constitute legal advice.