Lost Earnings Due to Personal Injury
If you suffered injuries in an accident, you know how quickly medical bills add up. If your injuries also prevent you from working, the sudden loss of income only exacerbates the financial strain. In South Carolina, you could be entitled to lost wages by filing a personal injury claim against the party responsible for your injuries.
The South Carolina personal injury lawyers at Wilson Law Group, LLC can help you understand your rights. Contact us today for a free consultation.
Understanding Lost Earnings
Lost earnings are any money or benefits you are not receiving because you cannot work after an accident. Lost earnings can include:
- Lost wages
- Lost PTO accrual
- Loss of medical coverage
- Loss of benefits
- Loss of future earnings
The South Carolina Tort Claims Act allows individuals who experience lost earnings to file a personal injury claim against the responsible party or their insurer. A successful claim enables accident victims to recover compensation for various financial and non-financial losses, including lost income and lost earning potential.
Eligibility for Claiming Lost Earnings
To qualify for lost wages due to an accident, you must meet specific criteria:
- You are an accident victim – You sustained injuries in an accident caused by another party’s negligence or wrongdoing.
- You have lost earnings – Your injuries leave you unable to work, resulting in a loss of income. You may also have medical appointments requiring you to take time off work.
- You have records to prove your lost earnings – Documentation like employment records, pay stubs, W-2s, and tax forms can show how many hours and wages you missed. If you’re self-employed, you could use tax returns, accounts receivable, and upcoming work projects you’ve bid on to support your personal injury case.
The Process of Calculating Lost Earnings
When calculating the total lost earnings, our personal injury attorneys evaluate several types of evidence, including:
- Medical records – A disability slip or a letter from your doctor outlining your inability to work will help prove the disabling nature of your injuries.
- Pay stubs –These documents show your usual salary or the hourly wage and the hours you usually work daily. Your pay stubs can also provide a record of how often you receive raises.
- Tax returns or W-2s – Tax documents can help demonstrate your total lost earnings. They are particularly beneficial when injuries result in a permanent inability to work.
- Statements from employers – A letter from your employer can help verify time off.
Your lawyer will assess the evidence to arrive at an appropriate amount of compensation to demand for your lost earnings, including any raises you would have been eligible to receive while you were off work. If you suffered catastrophic or severe injuries, your attorney may consult financial planners and accountants before calculating a fair amount for lost future income.
How Our Law Firm Can Assist
The attorneys at Wilson Law Group, LLC can help you through every stage of the personal injury claims process. We will collect the documentation necessary to prove your lost earnings and make a compelling case for the money you deserve.
With more than four decades of experience handling personal injury cases for victims in South Carolina, we have the knowledge and experience to ensure insurance companies don’t shortchange you. Contact us today for a free consultation with an experienced personal injury attorney.