Depending on the type of accident you were in and the injuries you sustained, there may have been serious consequences that greatly affected your life. If you can prove that the accident was caused by the recklessness or negligence of another party, it is possible that you can pursue legal action to collect compensation to cover your expenses, including past or future lost wages. An experienced Middlesex County personal injury attorney can help you better understand your rights and offer you skilled legal advice and representation.
What Damages Can Be Recovered After an Accident?
After an accident, you can be affected in ways you never would have imagined. There are various damages you may be able to collect. In general, you can file a claim or lawsuit to collect compensation for the following.
- Medical expenses including hospital bills, doctor’s visits, medication, physical therapy, etc.
- Property damage from your vehicle or any personal property that was affected
- Pain and suffering including mental anguish, emotional distress, mood disorders, etc.
- Lost wages including past and future loss of income
How Can Lost Future Wages Be Calculated?
Calculating your future lost wages is simple in theory but more complex in practice. You can expect that your future lost wages will be calculated by figuring out the length of time that you will be unable to work and determining how much income you will miss out on during that time.
It becomes complicated when you consider that no one can fully and accurately predict what will happen in the future. What if you are out of work significantly longer than expected? What if you would have been promoted during that time and would have made even more money? There is no telling what might happen, so it is imperative that experienced professionals are consulted when making these estimates.
A medical professional with a special background in your specific injury or ailment can be asked to estimate the extent of your injuries. They will use their experience to predict a reasonably accurate recovery time and testify stating their conclusions.
Economic experts can also be consulted and asked to evaluate your past income, bonuses, and other benefits to determine approximately how much money you would be making if you were able to work during your recovery period. With the combined knowledge of medical and economic professionals, you can receive a reasonably accurate estimation of your future lost wages.
How Can a Lawyer Help Me Collect Lost Future Wages?
When dealing with a personal injury claim or lawsuit, hiring a lawyer should be one of your first steps. Your attorney has experience with injury cases and will be able to effectively collect and organize evidence to prove the negligence of the other party as well as your current and potential income. A lawyer can communicate with insurance companies, attorneys, the judge, and other relevant parties on your behalf, not to mention acquire the help of medical and economic experts to bolster your case. Contact a skilled attorney for assistance.
