A car accident can change the trajectory of your life in an instant. Besides medical bills, one of the most stressful consequences of an accident is being unable to work and losing your paycheck due to your injuries. In Kentucky, the law allows injured accident victims to seek compensation for lost wages, but the process is not always easy. If you can’t work because of your car accident injuries, continue reading to learn about your options and consult with a knowledgeable Pikeville, KY personal injury lawyer today.
What Are Lost Wages?
Lost wages refer to the money that you would have earned at your job if you hadn’t been injured. If you were never involved in a car accident, you would not have been hurt and would not have had to miss time from work. Lost wages can include your regular salary or hourly pay, as well as overtime, bonuses, commissions, and even benefits like sick days or paid time off.
In personal injury law, lost wages are economic damages and can be reimbursed through various avenues. People can also recover compensation for their lost earning capacity. If your injuries cause a permanent disability or limit your career options, you could be compensated for a diminished earning ability in the future.
Lost wages are a serious concern for many people who have sustained serious injuries that prevent them from going to work or leave them unable to earn at the same rate that they once did. That is why understanding your options regarding your loss of income is crucial after a car crash.
What if I Can’t Work Because of My Car Accident Injuries in KY?
If you can’t work because of your car accident injuries, you have several options to recover compensation to make up for your lost wages. Consider the following.
- Personal Injury Protection: Kentucky is a no-fault accident state, meaning that all drivers are required to carry PIP insurance, which can cover medical costs and injury-related expenses after a crash. This includes lost wages from time taken off work to recover.
- Disability: Depending on the details of the situation and the policies available to you, you may qualify for short-term or long-term disability benefits, which pay a portion of your income for a certain amount of time.
- Workers’ compensation: If you drive for your job and the accident occurred while you were performing your duties, you could be covered under workers’ compensation, a no-fault insurance provided by your employer. Workers’ comp offers certain cash benefits, including wage replacement.
- Lawsuit: If your injury is considered “serious” or your expenses are not covered by your insurance, you may be able to circumvent the state’s no-fault laws and file a claim or lawsuit against the negligent driver who caused the accident. You can recover compensation for lost wages and a diminished earning capacity through a lawsuit.
Personal injury law can be complex, so it is highly recommended that you secure the help of an experienced attorney. Reach out to Shane Hall, Attorney at Law, PLLC, today for more information.
