When reviewing benefits, what factor does the Workers' Compensation Commission consider for adjustments?

The Workers' Compensation Commission considers the state average weekly wage as a key factor when reviewing and adjusting benefits. This is because the benefits provided to injured workers are often calculated as a percentage of their wages. By evaluating changes in the state average weekly wage, the Commission can ensure that the benefits remain in line with economic conditions and adequately compensate employees for their lost earnings due to work-related injuries.

Adjustments based on the state average weekly wage help maintain fairness and provide reasonable support for injured workers, enabling them to manage their expenses while they recover. This focus on wages ensures that compensation keeps pace with the general income levels within the state, reflecting the economic realities faced by all workers.

The other options, while relevant in broader discussions of workers' compensation, do not directly influence the adjustments made by the Workers' Compensation Commission as effectively as the state average weekly wage. For example, while changes in federal regulations and inflation rates may impact workers' compensation in general, they are not the primary factors used for benefits adjustments in West Virginia. The number of workplace injuries can inform policy decisions and resource allocation but does not directly affect individual benefit calculations.