Can I sue for lost wages in a personal injury claim in California?

money burning in front of clock lost wages

Regardless of what type of accident you are in whether it be a slip-and-fall accident, auto accident, or other personal injury accident, you may sustain catastrophic injuries that have caused you to miss a considerable amount of work which has resulted in a loss of income. In California, if you have suffered an injury as a direct result of someone else’s negligence, you are legally entitled to file a claim against that party to recover monetary compensation for your damages. Typically, those that suffer an injury as a result of another party’s negligent actions wonder what they can recover in a personal injury claim. Keep reading to learn whether you can sue for lost wages in a personal injury claim and how our proficient Santa Clara County Personal Injury Attorneys can help you navigate your legal options.

How do I sue for lost wages in a personal injury claim in California?

When you suffer an injury as a result of someone else’s negligence, you are entitled to file a claim to seek monetary compensation for your economic and non-economic damages. Economic damages are calculable losses such as past and future medical bills, loss of past and future earnings, property damage, vocational rehabilitation, and lost wages. Non-economic damages are not calculable as they are subjective losses such as pain and suffering, emotional distress, inconvenience, loss of consortium, and loss of enjoyment of life. Lost wages are considered economic damages. Therefore, you can sue for lost wages in a personal injury claim. However, to recover monetary compensation for your lost wages, you must prove that your injuries have hindered your critical abilities needed to perform your job which in turn has prevented you from working. The following includes but is not limited to different types of evidence that can be used to prove your past and future lost wages:

  •  Medical bills and records.
  • Paystubs.
  • Financial statements and tax documents.
  • Statement or verification letter from a doctor and/or therapist that confirms your physical trauma and the occupational limitations.
  • Eyewitness testimony.
  • Statements from family and friends verifying the negative effects your injuries have had on your everyday life.
  • Statements from your employer that confirms the dates and shifts you have missed due to your injuries.
  • Any other forms of evidence

For more information, please don’t hesitate to reach out to one of our skilled and trusted attorneys. When you have been injured as a result of someone else’s negligence, you may be entitled to compensation, however, the legal process can be confusing and complex. Our firm is committed to helping our clients understand their legal options. Allow our qualified attorneys to help you seek financial compensation for your economic and non-economic damages.