When someone sustains an injury or illness due to someone else’s negligence or wrongdoing, they may be able to recover damages for a variety of losses. Among these losses are lost wages and future earnings. In this article, we’ll explore whether and to what extent injured individuals may be able to recover compensation for these economic damages.
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What are lost wages?
Lost wages refer to income that an individual would have earned had they not been injured. This can include salaries, wages, bonuses, commissions, and other forms of compensation. If someone is injured and unable to work for a period of time, they will lose out on the income they would have earned during that time.
What are future earnings?
Future earnings refer to income that an individual will not be able to earn as a result of their injury. This can include wages, bonuses, commissions, promotions, and other forms of compensation that the individual would have earned had they not been injured. Depending on the severity of the injury, an individual may be unable to work for an extended period of time, or they may be unable to return to their previous line of work.
When can I recover compensation for lost wages and future earnings?
In order to recover compensation for lost wages and future earnings, the injured individual must be able to prove that their injuries were caused by someone else’s negligence or wrongdoing. This can include car accidents, slip and fall accidents, medical malpractice, and other types of personal injury cases.
Additionally, the injured individual must be able to demonstrate the extent of their economic losses. This can include producing pay stubs, tax returns, and other financial documents to show the amount of income that was lost as a result of the injury.
How is the amount of compensation calculated?
The amount of compensation that an injured individual can recover for lost wages and future earnings will depend on a variety of factors. These factors can include the individual’s salary or hourly rate, their age, their occupation, their level of education, and the nature and extent of their injuries.
In general, the more significant the injury, the longer the individual will be unable to work, and the higher the amount of compensation that may be available.
What if I am partially at fault for my injuries?
In some cases, an injured individual may be partially at fault for their injuries. For example, if someone is injured in a car accident and they were not wearing a seatbelt at the time, they may be found to have contributed to their injuries.
In these cases, the amount of compensation that the injured individual can recover may be reduced based on their percentage of fault. For example, if the injured individual was found to be 25% at fault for the accident, they may only be able to recover 75% of the damages they would have otherwise been entitled to.
Can I recover compensation if I am self-employed?
Yes, self-employed individuals can also recover compensation for lost wages and future earnings. In these cases, the injured individual will need to provide documentation to show the financial losses that they have suffered as a result of their injury.
Conclusion
If you have been injured due to someone else’s negligence or wrongdoing, you may be entitled to compensation for a variety of losses, including lost wages and future earnings. However, it is important to work with an experienced personal injury attorney who can help you navigate the complexities of the legal system and ensure that your rights are protected. With the right legal representation, you can maximize your chances of recovering the compensation you deserve.