Can I Get Compensation for Lost Wages Due to a Slip and Fall Accident in New Jersey?
Slips and falls have become a growing concern in recent years. More slips and falls are happening in the workplace, causing employees to miss work. In the United States, slips, trips, and falls are one of the leading causes of work-related injuries requiring days away from work.
This is concerning. If you have recently been injured in a slip and fall accident, you may wonder about the compensation aspect. It is clear that you can get compensation for medical expenses related to your injuries. But what about other damages, such as lost wages?
One of the most significant financial burdens after an accident is lost wages. Even if you miss work for a week, you could be out over $1,000. Your job is your livelihood, so whether you are out of work for a short period or you are disabled to the point where you cannot return to work, recovering compensation for lost wages is no doubt necessary.
Fortunately, you can recover compensation for lost wages in a slip and fall accident. New Jersey law allows slip and fall victims to claim lost wages if they miss work.
Compensation for lost wages includes:
- Past lost wages.This refers to income you have already lost due to time off work.
- Future lost earnings.This refers to compensation for reduced earning capacity if your injuries prevent you from working in the future.
- Lost benefits. This refers to lost bonuses, promotions, or employer-paid benefits like health insurance and retirement contributions.
Proving lost wages requires a significant amount of documentation. This may include:
- Pay stubs or tax returns.These documents show how much you earned before the injury.
- A letter from your employer. This letter should confirm your employment, your wages, and the amount of time you missed from work.
- Medical records.These documents show the extent of your injury and your doctor’s recommendations for taking time off work.
For those who are self-employed, proving lost wages can be more complicated. Tax returns, contracts, business records, and invoices can all be used to show lost income. In some cases, accountants may be asked to help calculate losses.
To receive compensation for future lost earnings, you must show evidence of pre-injury income and employment status, your earning capacity before the injury, and any benefits and bonuses you may have received had you not been injured.
To calculate future lost wages, your attorney may work with vocational experts and economists to assess how your injury will impact your ability to work long-term. They will consider your age, occupation, education, and skill level. They will also look at your projected earning potential before the injury.
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Slips and falls can result in serious damage. You may even miss work to deal with your injuries. Fortunately, you can receive compensation for this.
Slip and fall cases are best left to a skilled attorney who will protect your best interests. Get compensation for all your damages with help from the New Jersey premises liability attorneys at Leonard Legal Group. To schedule a consultation with our office, fill out the online form or call (973) 984-1414.