Lost Wages
After a car accident, injuries don’t just affect your health- they can also impact your paycheck. Many people are forced to miss days or even weeks of work while they recover, and that financial stress can add up quickly. Recently, David Greene joined Studio 10 to explain how lost wages factor into a personal injury claim.
This is something we hear about a lot. If someone has to miss work because of their injuries, can they be reimbursed for that time?
Yes, in many cases they can. If the accident was caused by someone else’s negligence, the law allows you to seek compensation not only for medical bills, but also for the income you lose while you’re unable to work.
What does someone need in order to prove those lost wages?
Documentation is key. That usually means a note from the doctor explaining why you couldn’t work, along with records from your employer showing your pay rate and the time you missed. For some people, like hourly workers or those who rely on overtime, bonuses, or tips, calculating that number can be more complicated, but it’s something we deal with all the time.
What about someone who uses sick leave or vacation time? Are they just out of luck?
Not necessarily. Even if you had to use your own benefits, that time still has value. Part of a claim can include recovering for the leave you were forced to burn because of the accident.
Are lost wages only about the time someone has already missed?
No. If injuries affect your ability to work in the future, future lost earning capacity can also be considered. For example, maybe you can’t return to the same job or you have to cut back hours. That’s a big deal, and it’s important to make sure it’s evaluated properly.
What’s the biggest mistake people make when dealing with this part of a claim?
Waiting too long to get help. Insurance companies may try to minimize how much time you needed off or argue that you could have gone back sooner. Having an attorney gather the right proof makes a huge difference.
What do you want viewers to remember if they’re worried about missing work after a crash?
Your injury can affect more than your medical bills. If you’re losing income, that matters, and you shouldn’t have to carry that burden if someone else caused the accident.
If someone has questions about recovering lost wages after being injured, how can they reach Greene & Phillips?
You can stop by our office at 51 North Florida Street anytime- no appointment needed. You can also call or text us at 251-300-2000, or fill out a contact form. And as always, if you can’t come to us, we’ll come to you.
