Being involved in an accident and suffering an injury can be devastating and painful, both physically and financially. If you are unable to work after your accident, the loss of income can be a source of stress in your life, especially while you try to recover and return to normal life. The good news is that in many cases, it is possible to recover lost wages if you can’t work after an accident. However, the outcome of your compensation will depend on a variety of factors. If you have questions or concerns about your rights after an accident, continue reading and consult with an experienced New Jersey injury lawyer today.
What Are Lost Wages?
Lost wages are the income that you lose out on when you are unable to work due to an injury sustained in an accident. Regardless of the type of accident you were involved in or the injury you sustained, missing out on income while you recover can result in financial strain and hardship.
Lost wages can include any type of monetary loss related to your job functions, including the following.
- Regular salary or wages
- Bonuses
- Commissions
- Tips
- Income from self-employment
- Future lost wages if your injury and recovery process are long-term
In general, any income that you would have received or had the chance to earn but were unable to as a result of your injury could be considered lost wages.
Can I Recover Lost Wages if I Can’t Work After an Accident?
In most cases, yes, you can recover lost wages if you are unable to work after an accident. Your ability to recover lost income depends on several factors, including the type of insurance you have, the nature of the accident, and the legal steps you take.
Some of the most common ways to recover lost wages include the following.
- PIP (Personal Injury Protection) claim with your own insurance provider
- Personal injury insurance claim against the negligent party who caused your accident and injury
- Workers’ compensation insurance claim through your employer
- Personal injury lawsuit against the negligent party who caused your accident and injury
Through PIP and workers’ compensation, you may recover a portion of your lost wages along with compensation for expenses related to your injury or condition, like medical treatment, rehabilitation, and more.
In a personal injury claim or lawsuit against the negligent party, however, your compensation options can be expanded to include medical expenses, lost wages, the costs to repair property damage, physical pain and suffering, emotional distress, psychological injuries, and more.
Understanding your legal rights and options is crucial after being involved in an accident and sustaining an injury. To learn what option will work best in your case, reach out to a skillful personal injury lawyer today.
