Daniel Martinez v. Zamudio Tree & Landscaping and the Uninsured Employer's Fund

**What Happened:** Daniel Martinez worked for Zamudio Tree & Landscaping and filed a workers' compensation claim seeking temporary total disability benefits after a workplace injury. To receive these benefits, Martinez needed to prove his average weekly wage, which determines how much money injured workers receive while they cannot work. However, there was a problem establishing exactly how much Martinez typically earned each week at his job. **What the Court Decided:** The Virginia Court of Appeals ruled against Martinez. The court agreed with the Workers' Compensation Commission's earlier decision to deny his claim. The court found that Martinez did not provide enough evidence to prove his average weekly wage, which is required to calculate disability benefits. **Why This Matters for Workers:** This case shows how important it is for workers to keep detailed records of their earnings. When filing for workers' compensation benefits, injured employees must be able to prove their typical wages through documentation like pay stubs, timesheets, or employment records. Without sufficient proof of earnings, workers may lose their disability benefits entirely, even if their workplace injury is legitimate. Workers should always maintain careful records of their hours and pay.