When you are injured in an accident, it can have an overwhelming physical and emotional impact on your life. In addition to this pain and suffering, you may be concerned about how your injuries will impact your ability to work and make money. If your accident and injuries are affecting your ability to work, you may be able to recover compensation for lost wages. To learn more about your legal rights and options regarding lost wages, set up your free consultation with an experienced Monmouth County personal injury attorney today.
What Are Lost Wages?
Lost wages are the income that you miss out on because of your inability to work after being injured in an accident. They are an important component of personal injury law and can include any form of income, such as the following.
- Hourly wages
- Salary
- Overtime compensation
- Bonuses
- Commissions
- Tips
- Revenue from self-employment
- Vacation or sick days
Any type of money that you would have made or would have had the opportunity to make had you not been injured can be considered lost wages.
Can I Recover Lost Wages if I Can’t Work Due to My Injuries?
Yes, if you were involved in an accident and can’t work due to your injuries, you may be entitled to recover lost wages. The idea behind recovering this type of income is that you should be compensated for the time that you were unable to work since your injury was caused by someone else’s negligence, recklessness, or intentional harm.
To establish a valid claim for lost wages, you will need to provide documentation supporting the notion that the defendant caused the accident, that the accident resulted in your injury, and that your injury has caused you to miss out on income.
You need to seek medical attention to ensure you have a paper trail of your injury that can connect the ailment to the accident. Testimony from medical professionals can also be beneficial and establish the severity of your injury and that you were unable to work and perform the functions of your job.
It is also important that you provide proof of the income that you typically earn to establish how much money you missed out on because of your injury. Pay stubs, tax returns, business records, and more can all offer evidence of your income and losses. Statements from your employer can also establish your income and confirm the amount of time that you were absent from work.
It is important to remember that you can also be compensated for future lost wages. If your injury is particularly severe you may be impacted long-term or even permanently, and your earning capacity could be diminished. In this case, you can calculate future lost wages with the help of medical and economic experts to ensure you are fairly compensated.
Reach out to a skillful lawyer today to discuss your situation and secure representation.
