You can recover lost wages after an accident by filing an insurance claim or a lawsuit against whoever harmed you. Our personal injury lawyers in Los Angeles can include them as part of your settlement demand.
Your lost wages damages include more than your hourly wages or salary. Understanding the full scope of how much you’re entitled to recover will help you know if a settlement offer is fair or not. Here’s what you need to know about recovering lost wages after an accident.
What Qualifies as Lost Wages?
Lost wages encompass more than just your regular paycheck. Here’s what can be included:
- Regular wages: The income you would have earned if you hadn’t been injured.
- Overtime: Any overtime pay you regularly earned before the accident.
- Bonuses or commissions: If these were part of your regular compensation.
- Self-employment income: Profits lost if you’re self-employed or own a business.
- Vacation or sick days: If you had to use these due to your injury.
- Lost investments: Money you may have received through an employer retirement plan.
What Types of Insurance Cover Lost Wages?
Several types of insurance may cover lost wages after an accident. For most accidents, the at-fault party’s insurance should cover your lost wages if you weren’t the person at fault. Some other forms of insurance can also cover costs:
- Personal Injury Protection (PIP): If you have this coverage, it can pay for lost wages regardless of fault.
- Disability insurance: If you have private or employer-provided disability insurance, it may cover some of your lost wages.
- Workers’ compensation: For accidents that occur on the job.
Different types of insurance cover various situations. PIP insurance is usually for auto accidents, and workers’ compensation is for job-related injuries. Working with a lawyer can sort out which policies may cover your lost wages.
How Do I Document My Lost Wages?
Proper documentation is key to recovering your lost wages. Here’s what you should gather:
- Pay stubs: Recent pay stubs showing your regular income and any distributions you make to retirement plans.
- Tax returns: Especially important for self-employed individuals or those with variable income.
- Letter from your employer: Confirming your position, pay rate, and time missed from work.
- Medical records: Documenting your injuries and work restrictions that keep you from earning wages.
- Self-employment records: Business financial statements, invoices, or contracts for self-employed individuals.
What About Self-Employed Individuals?
Self-employed individuals can recover lost wages, but the process may be more complex. You’ll need to provide detailed financial records to prove your lost income. Economic experts may sometimes be required to calculate your losses accurately.
What If My Injuries Prevent Me from Returning to My Previous Job?
If your injuries have long-term impacts on your ability to work, you may be entitled to additional compensation:
- Loss of earning capacity: Compensation for reduced ability to earn income in the future.
- Vocational rehabilitation: Costs associated with training for a new career.
- Disability benefits: If you’re unable to work for an extended period or permanently.
These situations require careful evaluation and often benefit from expert testimony to accurately project future losses.
What If the Insurance Company Disputes My Lost Wage Claim?
Insurance companies may challenge your lost wages claim for several reasons. One of the most common is a need for more documentation. A lawyer can help you organize your documents so the insurance company doesn’t have this excuse.
Lost wage claims are best supported by medical documentation that shows you need to stay away from work or work a lighter duty to recover. Without this, the insurance company may claim your missed work wasn’t medically necessary and deny your claim.
Having an experienced attorney can help you counter these challenges effectively. Without one, you’re playing the insurance company’s games. Working with a lawyer lets you focus on your physical and emotional recovery while they get to work on your financial recovery.
How Can Omega Law Group Help Me Recover Lost Wages?
The best way to recover your lost wages after an accident is to work with a personal injury lawyer like our lawyers at Omega Law Group. Here’s how we’ll help you.
- Case evaluation: We’ll assess your situation and determine the full extent of your lost wages.
- Documentation gathering: Our team will help you collect and organize all necessary documentation.
- Calculation assistance: We’ll ensure all aspects of your lost income are accurately calculated.
- Negotiation: We’ll handle all communications with insurance companies to maximize your recovery.
- Litigation support: If necessary, we’re prepared to take your case to court to fight for fair compensation.
With our modern approach to law and decades of experience, we’re well-prepared to help you recover the lost wages you deserve.
Don’t Let Lost Wages Add to Your Accident Stress
Getting your lost income after an accident is a crucial part of getting your life back on track when you can’t work. Our experienced team will work to bring you the total value of your lost wages and other damages.
Recover your lost wages after an accident. Contact Omega Law Group today for a consultation. Let our family take care of your family and help you get the most from your case.
