Motorcycles are fun vehicles to ride. But they come with plenty of risks. Studies have shown that motorcycle accidents are on the rise, with many people visiting the emergency room annually.
You can seek compensation if you’ve been unfortunate enough to sustain losses in a motorcycle accident. The losses extend beyond just the physical pain and medical bills.
One of the most overlooked financial consequences is the inability of the victims to work as a result of their injuries. In a case where the injury left you unable to work, you are entitled to seek compensation for your lost wages by filing a personal injury claim or lawsuit.
To successfully recover your lost wages, you need representation from experts, such as the motorcycle accident attorneys at The Bruning Law Firm, a firm with over 35 years of experience helping victims of justice. Founded by the Bruning trio of Anthony, A.J., and Ryan, the firm has won accident victims millions in compensation. Additionally, the firm has been giving back to the community, supporting the National Multiple Sclerosis Society and the Pulmonary Fibrosis Society of St. Louis.
What are Lost Wages?
Lost wages refer to the income that a motorcycle accident victim is unable to earn due to injuries sustained in a motorcycle accident. This includes wages from missed workdays, reduced working hours, lost benefits, or the inability to perform one’s job duties at full capacity. In general, lost wages refer to any income that the victim would have earned if not for the accident.
How to Prove Lost Wages
To be successful at filing lost wages claims and recovering compensation, the victim must prove that missed time off work occurred because of an injury sustained in the accident. Proving lost wages involves several steps, which should be followed meticulously. Some of these steps include:
- Medical Records: Provide medical records documenting the extent of the victim’s injuries and the treatment received so far. This helps establish a causal link between the accident and the loss of wages.
- Employer Testimony: Testimony from the employer or supervisor if the victim can confirm the days missed from work and the resulting loss of income. This goes a long way toward adding credibility to the claim for lost wages.
- Expert Witness Testimony: In complex cases involving significant future loss of earnings, expert witnesses, such as economists or vocational experts, may be called upon to provide testimony on the victim’s earning capacity and the impact of their injuries on their ability to work.
- Financial Documentation: To support the claim for lost wages and demonstrate the victim’s pre-accident income, the submission of financial documentation, such as tax returns and bank statements, is required.
How to Calculate the Value of Lost Wages
Calculating lost wages can be a complex process, and as such, it requires the help of a skilled personal injury attorney on your side. The procedures involved are, but are not limited to:
Documentation: The first step in calculating lost wages is to gather documentation, including pay stubs, employment contracts, and tax returns. These documents serve as evidence of the victim’s income before the accident.
Determining the Period of Loss: Next, determine the period for which the victim was unable to work due to the accident. This may include days spent in the hospital, time taken off for medical appointments, and any ongoing treatment or rehabilitation that prevents the victim from returning to work.
Estimating Future Losses: In cases where the victim’s injuries result in long-term or permanent disability, it’s essential to estimate future lost wages. This involves projecting the victim’s earning capacity based on factors such as age, occupation, and the severity of their injuries.
Factoring in Benefits: When calculating lost wages, consider any benefits or perks that the victim may have lost due to their inability to work, such as health insurance, retirement contributions, or bonuses.
Guest writer.
