Personal injury lawsuits often involve compensation for lost wages. This is because personal injury accidents can cause significant economic harm to the victim, including lost income. Whether you have missed work due to medical appointments, recovery time or an inability to work at all, you may be entitled to recover these wages in a personal injury case.
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What Are Lost Wages?
Lost wages refer to the income that you have lost as a result of your injury. This may include wages you lost because you were unable to work, as well as money you lost as a result of missed promotions, bonuses, or other income sources. You may have spent time away from work attending medical appointments or recovering after your injury.
Common Causes Of Lost Wages In Personal Injury Cases
A personal injury can cause lost wages in different ways. Here are some of the most common ways that lost wages happen in personal injury cases:
Time Off Work
When an injury happens, you may have to miss work to attend medical appointments or treatment sessions. Depending on how long your recovery takes, you could be off work for weeks, months, or even years. If your injury has left you permanently disabled, you may never be able to work again.
Reduced Earnings Potential
Some injuries impact your ability to perform your job responsibilities. You may need to take a lower-paying position, switch to part-time work, or make other changes that affect your earnings. This is referred to as reduced earning potential.
Loss Of Promotions Or Bonuses
If you were unable to work as a result of your injury, you may have missed out on promotions, bonuses, and other income that you would have earned if you were able to work during this time.
Self-Employed Individuals
If you are self-employed, your earnings may be more difficult to calculate, but you may still be entitled to compensation for lost income. You may be able to recover evidence of your lost income from your financial records, bank statements, and tax returns.
How To Recover Lost Wages
If you have lost wages as a result of a personal injury, you may be able to recover these losses through a personal injury claim. Here are some steps you can take to increase your chances of recovering your lost wages:
Keep Good Records
Keep track of the days you missed work, the time you spent attending medical appointments, and any other work you were unable to complete as a result of your injury. This will ensure that you have an accurate record of your lost wages that you can use to calculate your damages.
Document Your Injuries
Make sure that you have medical records that document your injuries. You will need to show evidence of the severity of your injuries and how they have impacted your ability to work.
Hire An Attorney
An experienced personal injury attorney can help you navigate the legal system and advocate for your rights. They can assist you in calculating your lost wages and guide you through the legal process of claiming compensation.
Negotiate With The Insurance Company
Before you accept any settlement offer, make sure that you have assessed your lost wages and are negotiating for the full amount of compensation you are entitled to.
Conclusion
If you have lost wages as a result of a personal injury accident, you may be able to recover these losses as part of your personal injury claim. Whether you have missed work as a result of medical appointments or are no longer able to work because of your injuries, it is important to take action and seek the compensation you are entitled to. By working with an experienced personal injury attorney, you can improve your chances of recovering your lost wages and getting the compensation you deserve.