When you are involved in an accident that causes a personal injury, your life can be impacted in a myriad of ways. One important but often overlooked impact that your injury may have is an inability to go to work and earn an income. If you can’t work due to injuries sustained in an accident, you may wonder whether you are eligible to recover lost wages. In many cases, you are entitled to compensation for your inability to work. To learn more about your legal rights and options, continue reading and speak with a skillful Washington D.C. injury attorney today.
What Are Lost Wages?
In personal injury law, the term “lost wages” refers to the income that you lose out on as a result of being unable to work because of injuries that you sustained in an accident. These wages include not only your salary or hourly pay but also any other form of compensation that you may have missed out on, including bonuses, overtime, tips, and commissions.
The amount of lost wages that are awarded in a personal injury case depends on the severity of the injury as well as the amount of time you are unable to work. If your injuries are permanent or long-term, you may also be able to recover compensation for your diminished earning capacity.
Am I Eligible for Lost Wages if I Can’t Work Due to My Injuries?
Whether or not you are eligible to recover lost wages depends on several factors unique to your situation. First, to recover lost wages, the accident that caused your injury typically must have been the fault of another person’s negligence or recklessness.
The severity of the injury can also impact your eligibility. If you suffered serious and extensive injuries, you will likely be able to prove that you could not work as a result and recover compensation. Documentation and evidence are the most important part of recovering lost wages. You must be able to prove that the accident caused your injuries, that your injuries caused you to be unable to work, and that you missed out on income during your time off.
How Can I Recover Lost Wages?
If you are seeking compensation for your lost wages, you have several options depending on the circumstances of your situation. Below are the most common ways that victims recover lost wages after an accident.
- Personal injury claim against the at-fault party’s insurance
- PIP claim with your own insurance if the accident was auto-related
- Personal injury lawsuit against the at-fault party
- Workers’ compensation claim if the accident was on the job or work-related
If you were involved in an accident that prevented you from working, it is important to understand the various avenues you can take to recover compensation. Reach out to a skilled attorney at Trombly & Singer, PLLC today to set up a consultation and discuss your case.