Sec. 14.09.03.06. Average Weekly Wage

A. Preliminary Determination. For the purpose of making an initial award of compensation before a hearing in the matter, the Commission shall determine the claimant's average weekly wage from gross wages, including overtime, reported by the claimant on the employee's claim form.

B. Filing of Wage Statement. As soon as practicable, the employer/insurer shall file a wage statement containing the following information:

(1) The average wage earned by the claimant during the 14 weeks before the accident, excluding the time between the end of the last pay period and the date of injury, provided that periods of involuntary layoff or involuntary authorized absences are not included in the 14 weeks;

(2) Those weeks the claimant actually worked during the 14 weeks before the accident;

(3) Vacation wages paid; and

(4) Those items set forth in Labor and Employment Article, §9-602(a)(2), Annotated Code of Maryland.

C. Determination at First Hearing.

(1) Calculation of the average weekly wage shall be adjudicated and determined at the first hearing before the Commission.

(2) All parties shall be prepared to produce evidence from which the Commission can determine an accurate average weekly wage at the first hearing.

(3) If the Commission determines that an inaccurate average weekly wage resulted in the overpayment or underpayment of benefits, the Commission may order:

(a) A credit against future permanent disability benefits;

(b) The payment of additional compensation; or

(c) Any other relief the Commission determines is appropriate under the circumstances.

D. Uninsured Employers' Fund. The Uninsured Employers' Fund may contest the average weekly wage determined by the Commission under §A or C of this regulation, along with other issues as authorized by Labor and Employment Article, §9-1002, Annotated Code of Maryland, by filing issues on the form prescribed by the Commission.