In a personal injury or wrongful death case, lost wages refer to the income or earnings that a person would have received had they not been injured or died as a result of someone else’s negligence or wrongful act. Lost wages can be a significant component of damages sought in such cases, as they aim to compensate the victim or their family for the financial impact caused by the injury or death.
When calculating lost wages, several factors are taken into account, including the victim’s pre-injury or pre-death income, their work history, employment benefits, and potential for future earnings. If the person is temporarily unable to work due to the injury, they may be entitled to compensation for the wages lost during that period. If the injury or death results in a permanent disability that affects the victim’s ability to work, the damages may include compensation for the projected loss of future earnings.
To determine lost wages, various documents and evidence are typically considered, such as pay stubs, tax returns, employment records, medical reports, and expert opinions. Additionally, factors like the person’s age, occupation, education level, and career prospects may be taken into consideration to estimate the potential earnings they might have had if not for the injury or death.
It’s important to note that the specific laws and regulations governing personal injury or wrongful death cases can vary by jurisdiction. Contact Indiana brain and spine lawyer, Dan Chamberlain, at 317-549-5454 to get immediate answers to your questions.