Archive for wage loss
Recovering lost income and benefits
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Many factors affect what and how much you can recover at the end of the case.
How soon can I recover income and expenses?
Even if it’s obvious that the other person was at fault in the accident, and even if there is a police report to support that fact, the insurance company for the at-fault party does NOT pay any claims until the case is settled. And your case cannot be settled until you finish treatment for any injuries. That means settlement can take weeks or even months, depending on the injuries you sustained and the treatment involved.
Documenting wage loss
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Most people understand that they can submit a claim to an insurance company for medical expenses and damage to a vehicle.
Did you know, though, that you can also submit a claim to the insurance company for the at-fault party to recover earnings and benefits that you lost as a result of an accident?
What is included in wage loss claims?
Whether you are an employee or self-employed, you can claim lost wages or income, overtime, bonuses, commissions, and any benefits you used.
Benefits might include vacation or sick time, contributions to a 401K or pension plan, and so on.
Wage loss due to work restrictions
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After you have been off work, the doctor signs a release that allows you to return to work. If there are any restrictions due to an accident, the doctor must put that in writing.
No heavy lifting
In many cases, a doctor may specify that you are restricted to “light duty” work, as least temporarily.
Work restrictions often limit the amount of weight you can lift. That may be a limit of 15 pounds, about the weight of three reams of paper. If a job requires you to lift and move materials, restrictions can impact the amount of hours you can work or whether you can even do the job.
If your employer does not have any light duty work available, then the employer must state that in writing. Again, this is documentation required for the insurance company.