The U.S. Department of Labor, Division of Longshore and Harbor Workers’ Compensation,  recently released a preliminary estimate of the national average weekly wage for the period commencing October 1, 2010.  These figures are based on data compiled and published by the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS), which also provided information upon which to base estimates for the maximum and minimum compensation rates.

The Longshore community will note that Section 6(b)(1) of the Act, in all but limited circumstances, caps benefits at an amount not to exceed 200% of the applicable national average weekly wage. 

The following estimates apply to the period beginning on October 1, 2010 through September 30, 2011:

National Average Weekly Wage: $628.27
Maximum Compensation: $1,256.54
Minimum Compensation: $314.14
Percentage Increase: 2.60%

These figures are estimates, and an ultimate determination will not be made until final data is obtained.  Finally, we note that the percent increase in the national average weekly wage rises from 2.0% to 2.6%.