The value of your lost wages depends on how much time you missed from work because of your injuries, whether you will lose income in the future because your injuries prevent you from working, and whether your injuries force you to take a job that pays less than your current job. Losing out on a promotion or other benefits, such as a retirement pension and health benefits, can affect the value of your lost wages in a personal injury claim.
The attorneys at the Law Office of Jason R. Schultz, P.C. will discuss your case with you and review your wage records to determine a fair value for your lost wages in your injury case. Call us today at 404-474-0804.
What Are Lost Wages After an Accident?
- Lost current wages. When you cannot work after an accident because of your injuries, treatments, and recuperation time, your employer might not compensate you while you are away from work. You may also have to use vacation time, compensation for which we will seek to recover too.
- Lost future wages. There are two types of lost future wages: pay you will not receive during a lengthy recuperation time and money you miss out on because of debilitating injuries that prevent you from working in the future. To determine the value of your lost future wages, we will rely on evidence and testimony pertaining to your wages and medical evidence. If necessary, we may work with a rehabilitation or vocational expert as well.
What Happens If I Miss a Promotion Because I Was Not Able to Work?
Losing a promotion because you were away from work due to an injury may be compensable in your personal injury claim. For example, if you were likely to get promoted to a higher-paying position, we may seek compensation for the difference in pay you miss out on due to your injury.
What If I Have to Take a Lower-Paying Job Because of My Injuries?
If you are unable to perform your job and have to switch to a lower-paying career due to your injuries, you will have a claim for loss of earning potential. The value of your lost earning potential will be the difference between what you were making and how much you will make in the lower-paying career.
The calculations get tricky here because we will have to show how much money you would have made over the course of your working life in your previous career as well as how much you will earn during the rest of your working life with your impairments.
How Can Losing a Job or Missing Work Impact Me in Other Ways?
Missing time at work, having to switch jobs, or being unable to work altogether can mean that you miss out on more than income. Depending on your employer, you could also experience:
- Lost or reduced pension or retirement, including employer matching funds. If you are no longer working or if you are earning less money, you are not paying as much, (if anything) into your retirement account.
- Loss of benefits, such as medical, dental, and vision insurance; life insurance; free on-site daycare; paid vacation; paid parental leave; paid sick days; paid holidays; gym membership; and education subsidies.
Your personal injury claim should account for these additional work-related losses when seeking compensation for injury-related damages.
If you sustained injuries in an accident that was not your fault, call the personal injury team at the Law Office of Jason R. Schultz, P.C. We are standing by at 404-474-0804 to take your call and set up your free consultation.