Accidents, injuries, and illnesses can all cause a costly disruption to your regular pay. This is particularly true if your injuries or illness requires hospitalization and extended recovery time. In such situations, it can be incredibly stressful to think about paying bills and expenses while missing work and losing wages. Thankfully, there are options available to help you recover your lost wages and get back on track financially.
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What are Lost Wages?
Lost wages refer to the income that you would have earned while you are unable to work due to an injury or illness. This includes your regular salary or wages, as well as any bonuses, commissions, or other forms of compensation that you would have received if you had been able to work.
How Does One Recover Lost Wages?
There are a few different options for recovering lost wages, depending on the circumstances of the injury or illness. Here are some of the most common options:
Workers’ Compensation
If you were injured at work, you may be eligible for workers’ compensation. This is a type of insurance that provides benefits to employees who are injured or become ill as a direct result of their job. Workers’ compensation covers medical expenses, rehabilitation costs, and lost wages.
Short-Term Disability Insurance
If you have short-term disability insurance through your employer, you may be able to recover a portion of your lost wages. This type of insurance typically covers up to 60-70 percent of your regular income for a set period, such as six months.
Long-Term Disability Insurance
If your injury or illness is expected to keep you out of work for an extended period, long-term disability insurance may be an option. This type of insurance provides a portion of your regular income for a longer period, such as several years.
Personal Injury Lawsuit
If your injury or illness was caused by someone else’s negligence, you may be able to file a personal injury lawsuit to recover your lost wages. This can include compensation for both past and future lost wages, as well as other damages such as medical expenses and pain and suffering.
Factors That Impact Lost Wages
The amount of lost wages that you are entitled to depends on several factors, including:
- Your regular income
- How many days you were unable to work
- Whether you were able to work a reduced schedule or in a different position
- Any benefits or insurance coverage that you had available
- Your age, education, and career advancement prospects
How to Prove Lost Wages
In order to recover lost wages, you will need to provide evidence of your income and the days that you were not able to work. This can include things like:
- Pay stubs or tax returns showing your regular income
- Doctor’s notes or hospital records documenting your injury or illness
- Employer statements verifying the days that you missed work
- Evidence of any insurance benefits or workers’ compensation payments that you received
Conclusion
Dealing with an injury or illness can be stressful, especially when you are also losing income due to missed work. However, there are options available to help you recover your lost wages and get back on your feet. Whether through workers’ compensation, disability insurance, or a personal injury lawsuit, it is important to explore all of your options and get the help you need to recover financially.