What’s included in lost wages?
The period of time that you do not work after a car accident is definitely included in your damages for lost wages. However, there are other issues involved when you are out of work due to your injuries, and sometimes these are not so clear-cut. You may be able to recover compensation for lost earning capacity if you will never fully heal as a result of the incident. Your long-term disability means you cannot earn as much money as you once did.
There may also be missed business opportunities that fall within the damages category of lost wages. For instance, if you were overlooked for a job promotion because of your injury, you might be able to pursue an action for compensation.
How do I file a claim for lost wages?
Typically, you would file a claim with the insurance company that covers the party responsible for your injuries. Under Maryland law, all vehicles must carry the minimum insurance amount of $30,000 for liability bodily injury coverage. Many car owners opt to carry a higher amount in order to protect themselves from personal liability.
If your entire claim for lost wages is in excess of the responsible party’s insurance coverage, you may need to file a lawsuit to recover additional compensation.
What documentation do I need to prove lost wages?
In a claim against an insurance company, you will be asked to provide a doctor’s note describing your injuries and how long you were unable to work. The letter should detail your diagnoses, treatments, prescriptions, and medical bills. You would also need to obtain information from your employer regarding your salary or hourly pay, plus the amount of time you actually missed work.
An insurance company may deny your claim for lost wages or offer an amount that does not fully compensate you for your losses. You might be forced to file a lawsuit, which means you need to prove your case in court. Instead of letters or written notes, you will likely need to present witnesses who can describe your injuries and lost wages in order to prove damages.
There are many issues involved with lost wages when you miss work due to injuries from a car accident, but the answers to these questions should help you understand the basics. However, lost wages are just one aspect of damages in an auto accident case. These matters are extremely complicated and require the extensive knowledge and experience of a qualified lawyer. For more information on lost wages or to discuss the specifics of your case, please contact Baltimore County personal injury attorney Michael A. Freedman.
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How to Prove Injuries after a Car Accident
