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Completing Paperwork For Your Personal Injury Case

Too Hurt For Work: Getting Your Lost Wages

12 January 2018

Christopher Wilson

If you've been injured through no fault of your own in a car accident, you likely missed at least some work. For more serious injuries, you may have to spend weeks in the hospital and many more weeks recuperating from the wreck at home. All the while, you cannot work and bills are beginning to pile up. For something that is not your fault, you are now having to suffer from not only physical injuries, but your missed wages are impacting your entire family now. Read on for more information about what you are entitled to receive in the area of lost wages from your personal injury claim.

What Should I Track for Lost Wages?

From that first, awful moment of impact through the present, all time out of work should be listed. If you missed work and it was related in any way to the wreck, make a note of it. Even after you have been cleared by your doctor to return to work, track all follow-up appointments, physical or mental health therapy, trips to the pharmacy, time spent dealing with your wrecked car and everything else that keeps you from work. Don't neglect to track your commuting time for any of the above, as well.

A Word About Paid Time Off

Some people are fortunate with job perks, and are able to use well-earned paid time off. While this can reduce the financial burden on your budget considerably, be sure to keep up with this use and submit it for reimbursement. Whether it's vacation pay or sick leave, be sure to get that valuable perk back.

Did The Accident Impact Your Career?

The suddenness of a wreck can impact you in many ways, and some of those ways could be career-related. If you missed out on important and required job training due to the wreck, and you can show that it impacted your salary, raise or bonus potential, you may be eligible for compensation. The same thing can be said of missed business trips or canceled client meetings.

Producing Proof of Income

Depending on your job and how you were paid, you will likely have to show proof of your income to get reimbursed for lost wages. A pay stub should do the trick for this in most cases, but you can also get a letter from your job showing your rate of pay. If you are self-employed, plan on producing an income tax return and perhaps bank statements showing income.

For more information, contact a local lawyer.

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