If you’ve been injured in an accident in Indiana and are unable to work, you may be wondering if you can sue for lost wages and future earning potential. The answer is, it depends on the circumstances of your case. In this article, we’ll explore Indiana’s laws regarding lost wages and future earning potential and what you can do if you’ve experienced economic harm due to someone else’s negligence.
Table of Contents
What are Lost Wages?
Lost wages are the amount of money you would have earned from work if you hadn’t been injured in an accident. These damages are typically calculated by taking your hourly wage or salary and multiplying it by the number of hours or days you missed due to your injury. Lost wages can also include any bonuses or benefits you would have received.
What is Future Earning Potential?
Future earning potential refers to the amount of money a person could have earned if they hadn’t been injured. This includes wages, bonuses, benefits, and any potential promotions or career advancement opportunities. Future earning potential damages are much harder to calculate than lost wages since they are based on speculation about what might have happened if the injury hadn’t occurred.
Can You Sue for Lost Wages and Future Earning Potential in Indiana?
Yes, you can sue for lost wages and future earning potential in Indiana if you can prove someone else’s negligence caused your injury. In Indiana, economic damages, which include lost wages and future earning potential, are recoverable in personal injury cases.
In order to win a lawsuit for lost wages and future earning potential, you will need to show that your injury directly caused you to miss work or caused you to earn less money in the future. You will also need to provide evidence of your wage or salary, as well as proof of any missed work days or lost opportunities.
Factors Affecting Lost Wages and Future Earning Potential
Several factors can affect the amount of lost wages and future earning potential damages you may be entitled to, including:
Your Occupation and Income Level
Your occupation and income level will play a significant role in determining the amount of lost wages and future earning potential damages you may be entitled to. Since high-income earners have a greater earning potential, they may receive more substantial damages in a lawsuit.
Severity of Your Injury
The severity of your injury and the length of your recovery time can also impact the amount of damages you may receive. A more severe injury that requires an extended recovery time may result in a larger recovery.
Evidence of Your Losses
To receive damages for lost wages and future earning potential, you will need to provide detailed and accurate information about your wage or salary, as well as any missed work or future opportunities. The more evidence you have, the more likely you will receive sufficient damages.
Statute of Limitations
It’s essential to note that Indiana has a statute of limitations on personal injury claims. According to Indiana law, you have two years from the date of your injury to file a lawsuit. If you fail to file a lawsuit within this time frame, you may not be able to recover any damages for lost wages and future earning potential.
Contact an Attorney
If you’ve been injured in an accident and are considering suing for lost wages and future earning potential, it’s essential to consult with an experienced attorney. An attorney can help you determine if you have a case, gather evidence, and guide you through the legal process. By hiring an attorney, you can maximize your chances of receiving the damages you deserve.
Conclusion
In Indiana, if you’ve been injured due to someone else’s negligence, you may be eligible to recover lost wages and future earning potential damages. It’s important to note that you will need to provide evidence of your wage or salary and missed work or future opportunities. Working with an experienced attorney can help you build a strong case and improve your chances of receiving the damages you’re entitled to.