When a car accident leads to injuries that prevent you from going to work, you can claim lost wages and other job benefits as part of your compensation package. Even if your injuries were minor and prevented you from working for a short time, you still deserve compensation for the lost wages.
Lost wages include your missed current income and any effect the injuries may have had on your earning capacity. Some injuries lead to permanent disability, which may affect your career progression or potential to earn more in the future.
Crucial evidence when claiming lost wages
When proving lost wages, your pay stubs or a wage verification by your employer are among the most crucial documents you need. They will provide useful insights into the amount you claim. If you are self-employed, you can use the financial paperwork of your business over the past few months or years to ascertain how much you may be entitled to in lost wages.
Most importantly, you must have medical evidence of your injuries. You need a doctor’s report that shows how your injuries affect your ability to work and that your condition was not pre-existing. It should also state how long it will take for you to improve. If you fail to see a doctor, it can be hard to prove that your injuries are serious enough to prevent you from working.
Getting the settlement you deserve
Proving lost wages is not as simple as it sounds, especially when your injuries are life-changing. Calculating future lost wages can get complicated since there is no hard evidence such as payslips. Therefore, it is advisable to seek assistance on how to best handle your claim to ensure you get a fair settlement for lost wages and other damages.