Car accident victims often suffer injuries that leave them unable to work for days, weeks or even months. When their injuries are caused by the negligent actions of others, they can seek compensation for their lost income and other damages by filing personal injury lawsuits. Many Ohio car accident victims sue to recover wages that they did not earn but would have earned if they had not been injured, but people who suffer injuries that cause long-term or permanent disability may also seek compensation for their diminished earning capacity.
Lost wages and diminished earning capacity
Claims for lost income may seek compensation for more than just unearned wages. Car accident victims may demand compensation for promotions they lost or paid sick leave or vacation days that they had to use. When car accident victims suffer injuries that force them to accept lower paying work on a temporary or permanent basis, they can seek compensation for their diminished earning capacity.
Proving lost wages
Claims for compensation must be supported by evidence. Documents commonly used to support a lost wages claim include paystubs, tax returns and commission sheets. Car accident victims could also provide health care records that show they had to take time off from work to receive medical treatment or attend physical therapy sessions. In order to prevail in a personal injury lawsuit, the plaintiff must establish by a preponderance of the evidence that the negligent party’s actions were the direct cause of their harm. This is why it is important to seek medical treatment after a motor vehicle accident right away. If you are inured in a car crash and do not visit an emergency room, the defendant could claim that your injuries were not caused by the accident.
Economic damages
Car accidents victims who win lawsuits against negligent drivers are awarded economic damages to compensate them for their property damage, medical bills and lost income. Lost income claims can be based on unearned wages or diminished earning capacity, but they must be supported by evidence like paystubs or tax returns.