A 17-year-old is injured and is minimum for TD. What is the correct PD rate?

A 17-year-old is injured and is minimum for TD. What is the correct PD rate?

• A. Minimum
• B. Maximum
• C. Average weekly earnings of $189
• D. Probably earnings at age 18

Answer: (D)

When assessing permanent disability for someone who was a minor at the time of injury, California uses the earnings they would likely have at the age they would reach adulthood. In this scenario, a 17-year-old’s permanent disability rate is based on probable earnings at age 18, not current wages or a fixed minimum/maximum. This approach reflects the person’s future earning potential as an adult, rather than their present situation. So the correct concept is that the PD rate is determined by probable earnings at age 18. The other options don’t fit because PD calculations aren’t set by a minimum or maximum amount, nor by a standalone average weekly wage, but by the anticipated earnings at the age when the person reaches adulthood.

When assessing permanent disability for someone who was a minor at the time of injury, California uses the earnings they would likely have at the age they would reach adulthood. In this scenario, a 17-year-old’s permanent disability rate is based on probable earnings at age 18, not current wages or a fixed minimum/maximum. This approach reflects the person’s future earning potential as an adult, rather than their present situation.

So the correct concept is that the PD rate is determined by probable earnings at age 18. The other options don’t fit because PD calculations aren’t set by a minimum or maximum amount, nor by a standalone average weekly wage, but by the anticipated earnings at the age when the person reaches adulthood.