What is Lost Wages?
Income that an injured person loses because they are unable to work due to their injuries, including salary, hourly wages, bonuses, and other employment benefits.
Understanding Lost Wages
Lost wages include past lost income (from injury to settlement/trial) and future lost earning capacity if the injury permanently affects ability to work. Documentation includes pay stubs, tax returns, employer statements, and vocational expert testimony for future losses.
Examples
- 1Three months of missed work during recovery
- 2Reduced earning capacity due to permanent disability
- 3Lost overtime opportunities and bonuses
Related Terms
Loss of Consortium
A claim by the spouse or family member of an injured person for the loss of companionship, affection, comfort, and sexual relations resulting from the injury.
Punitive Damages
Additional damages awarded beyond compensatory damages to punish the defendant for particularly egregious conduct and deter similar behavior in the future.
Diminished Value
The reduction in a vehicle's market value after it has been damaged in an accident and repaired, compared to a similar vehicle that was never damaged.
Pain and Suffering
A category of non-economic damages compensating injury victims for physical pain, emotional distress, and diminished quality of life caused by their injuries.
Future Medical Expenses
The projected cost of medical treatment, therapy, medication, and care that an injured person will need in the future as a result of their injuries.
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