HLS 12RS-1124 ORIGINAL
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CODING: Words in struck through type are deletions from existing law; words underscored
are additions.
Regular Session, 2012
HOUSE BILL NO. 542
BY REPRESENTATIVE JAMES
WORKERS COMPENSATION: Provides for the calculation of average weekly wages for
professional athletes
AN ACT1
To amend and reenact R.S. 23:1021(12)(c), relative to workers' compensation; to provide2
for the computation of annual wages; to provide for professional athletes; and to3
provide for related matters.4
Be it enacted by the Legislature of Louisiana:5
Section 1. R.S. 23:1021(12)(c) is hereby amended and reenacted to read as follows:6
ยง1021. Terms defined7
* * *8
(12) "Wages" means average weekly wage at the time of the accident. The9
average weekly wage shall be determined as follows:10
* * *11
(c) Annual wages.12
(i) If the employee is employed at an annual salary, his annual salary divided13
by fifty-two.14
(ii) If the employee is a professional athlete who signs a contract of hire on15
an annual basis, average weekly wage shall be determined by the annual contract16
agreement in force at the time of the injury, dividing that annual salary by fifty-two.17
This shall be the computation without regard as to when the professional athlete was18
injured, whether during the season or preseason off-season training sessions.19
* * *20 HLS 12RS-1124 ORIGINAL
HB NO. 542
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CODING: Words in struck through type are deletions from existing law; words underscored
are additions.
DIGEST
The digest printed below was prepared by House Legislative Services. It constitutes no part
of the legislative instrument. The keyword, one-liner, abstract, and digest do not constitute
part of the law or proof or indicia of legislative intent. [R.S. 1:13(B) and 24:177(E)]
James HB No. 542
Abstract: Provides for the computation of average weekly wages for professional athletes
entitled to workers' compensation.
Present law defines "wages" to mean the average weekly wage at the time of the accident.
Present law provides that the annual wage shall be figured by dividing an employee's annual
salary by 52.
Proposed law provides that for professional athletes entitled to workers' compensation,
average weekly wage shall be determined by dividing the annual salary stipulated in the
contract agreement by 52.
Proposed law provides that the use of the annual contractual salary divided by 52 shall be
paid whether the work-related injury occurred during the season or in the off-season or
preseason.
(Amends R.S. 23:1021(12)(c))