What Are Lost Wages?
Lost wages refer to the income you miss out on due to your inability to work following an injury. This calculation is generally straightforward: it involves adding up the hours you missed at work and multiplying that by your hourly wage. For instance, if you earn $20 per hour and miss 40 hours of work, your lost wages would amount to $800.
However, if your income includes commissions or bonuses, calculating lost wages becomes more complex. In such cases, you may need to estimate the income you would have earned during your time away. A common approach is to average your commission or bonuses over a specific period and then adjust that figure based on the time you were unable to work. This might mean dividing your average earnings by the days, weeks, or months to find a fair estimate of your lost income.
Considerations for Salary Workers
If you are a salaried employee and your salary continues while you are injured, you may not be eligible to recover lost wages. However, it’s essential to consult with an experienced personal injury attorney who can evaluate the specifics of your case and advise you on the potential for recovering lost wages as part of your claim.
Lost Wages vs. Loss of Earning Capacity
While lost wages pertain to income lost in the past due to your injury, loss of earning capacity refers to the potential future income you may be unable to earn because of your injury. This distinction is important as it impacts the compensation you may seek in your personal injury claim.
Loss of earning capacity compensates you for the diminished ability to work in the future. For example, consider an individual who worked as a mechanic but sustained a serious back injury in a car accident. This injury may limit their ability to perform physical tasks essential to their job, such as lifting heavy objects or working overhead. In such cases, the individual may be entitled to compensation for the long-term effects of their injury, which could affect their ability to earn a living moving forward.
Why You Need an Experienced Attorney
The complexities of personal injury claims involving lost wages and loss of earning capacity can be daunting. An attorney can help you gather the necessary documentation, including medical records, pay stubs, and other evidence to support your claim. They can also help you navigate negotiations with insurance companies to ensure you receive fair compensation for both your past and future losses.
If you’ve been injured due to someone else’s negligence, it’s essential to understand your rights. The legal team at Etemi Law is dedicated to assisting clients in Connecticut with their personal injury claims. We can provide you with a comprehensive evaluation of your case and help you determine the best course of action.
Get Your Free Consultation Today
Don’t let an injury hold you back from receiving the compensation you deserve. Contact Etemi Law today for a free consultation. You can reach us at (203) 409-8424. Our knowledgeable attorneys are ready to help you understand your rights and fight for the compensation you need to recover fully.
