If you suffer injuries in a car accident and miss work, you can recover lost wages. Missouri law allows you to seek compensation for the income you lose during your recovery and for any future earning capacity you may lose due to the accident.
What types of lost wages can you recover?
You can recover wages for the time you miss from work, including regular earnings, overtime pay, and any bonuses or commissions you would have received. If you use sick days or vacation time while recovering, you can also recover those lost benefits. In some cases, if your injury affects your future ability to work or advance in your career, you may recover compensation for future lost earnings or missed promotions.
How do you prove lost wages?
To prove lost wages under Missouri law, gather documents that show your regular earnings and the time you miss from work. These may include pay stubs, W-2 forms, and a letter from your employer confirming your absence and the wages you lost. You will also need medical records from your healthcare provider that explain your injury and how it prevents you from working. If you’re self-employed, use tax returns to demonstrate your usual income.
Can you recover future lost earnings?
If your injury results in long-term or permanent disability, you can pursue compensation for future lost earnings. You will likely need expert testimony to estimate the income you would have earned if you had not been injured.
Recovering lost wages after a motor vehicle accident is possible, but you’ll need proper documentation to support your claim. Understanding the process and gathering necessary evidence can help ensure you receive the compensation you’re entitled to.