Suffering from an injury is always unpleasant, but getting injured in an accident caused by an irresponsible person can be extra frustrating when the incident was entirely preventable. Thankfully, injured victims of preventable accidents are usually eligible for compensation in New Jersey. It is important to note though that our state follows no-fault rules for auto accidents, meaning your own insurance will be liable for covering your damages unless you file a personal injury claim. You can also still file a claim if your insurance doesn’t provide enough coverage for medical bills and other expenses. If you’ve recently sustained an injury due to someone else’s irresponsible behavior, read this blog to find out how you can earn restitution for your pain and suffering, lost wages, medical bills, and more. You may also reach out to a Middlesex County Personal Injury Attorney who can provide specialized legal counseling.
CAN I GET COMPENSATION FOR LOST WAGES AFTER A PERSONAL INJURY ACCIDENT?
Recovering from an injury can be costly in more ways than one. Not only do you have to worry about various medical expenses, but you might miss out on income opportunities if you have to miss work while in recovery. Thankfully, New Jersey courts allow victims of accidents caused by negligence to earn compensation for their lost wages in a personal injury case. Lost wages might include:
- Wages you couldn’t earn because of your injury
- Overtime payments you didn’t have the opportunity to claim
- Bonuses and commissions that you couldn’t earn
- Missed opportunities for raises and promotions
- Paid time off you should have accrued but didn’t because of your injury
- Earning from other sources like paid hobbies and freelance work
- Lost or diminished earning capacity
In order to earn compensation for lost wages, you’ll need a letter from your employer that details your job, your pay, your hours, and the income you missed due to your injury. If self-employed, you can use evidence such as a client schedule to show how much income you missed out on due to your injury.
HOW DO I FILE A PERSONAL INJURY CLAIM IN NEW JERSEY?
Remember that New Jersey’s statute of limitations for personal injury cases is two years, meaning you have two years from the date of the accident to file a claim. A personal injury attorney can help you file a claim and gather evidence to prove that person who caused your accident acted negligently. In the courtroom, negligence refers to someone’s failure to act in a way that prevents harm to the general public. A common example of negligence is drunk driving because this act can seriously injure other people.
Have you recently been injured in a preventable accident caused by someone else’s negligent actions? If so, you might be seeking a dedicated personal injury attorney who can help you get the compensation you deserve. Look no further because our highly experienced law firm is on your side every step of the way! Contact Stathis & Leonardis today for an initial consultation.