Curry Industries v. Maringer

The judge of compensation claims (JCC) erred in including in claimant’s average weekly wage (AWW) the employer’s contributions to claimant’s pension and medicare benefits. As we explained in Vegas v. Globe Security, 627 So.2d 76, 83 (Fla. 1st DCA 1993) (en bane), review denied, 637 So.2d 234 (Fla.1994), the amended definition of wages found in section 440.02(24), Florida Statutes (1993), sharply curtailed the fringe benefits that could be considered in calculating an employee’s AWW. Pension benefits, since the enactment of the amendment, are no longer included. Cable Vision of Cent. Fla. v.…