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The Kahn Law Firm, P.C. Attorney
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How to Document Lost Wages After an Accident

When an injury occurs, the immediate physical pain is often followed by the stress of financial instability. Missing work because of recovery isn’t just an inconvenience; it’s a direct financial loss. At The Kahn Law Firm, we specialize in helping victims recover these damages. Proper documentation is the key to ensuring your settlement reflects the true cost of your accident.

smiling doctor holding a tablet

Obtain a Formal Disability Note from Your Physician

To recover lost wages, you must prove that your absence was medically necessary. Ask your doctor for a detailed note explicitly stating that you cannot work due to your personal injury. This document should include specific dates and any physical restrictions. Without this medical paper trail, insurance companies will often argue that your time off was voluntary rather than required for healing.

HR team meeting around a work table

Collect Verification of Income from Your Employer

Your auto accident law firm will need to establish exactly how much income you’ve missed. Request a “Lost Wage Verification” form or a formal letter from your HR department. This should detail your job title, pay rate, and the number of hours missed since the accident. For those with irregular schedules or overtime, providing past pay stubs helps establish an accurate average of your typical earnings.

employees working on a project, including one employee in a wheelchair

Account for All Lost Benefits and Opportunities

Lost wages extend beyond your base salary. A comprehensive claim filed by your personal injury attorney should include lost commissions, bonuses, and used vacation or sick time. If you had to use your “Paid Time Off” to recover, you are entitled to reimbursement for the value of those days.

worker working on a computer

Maintain Detailed Records for Self-Employed Claims

If you are self-employed or a 1099 contractor, documenting losses requires additional diligence. You will need to provide previous tax returns, recent invoices, and evidence of canceled contracts or missed appointments. An experienced accident lawyer can help you compile this data to demonstrate a clear drop in revenue tied to your recovery period.

The process of recovering lost income can be complex, but you don’t have to navigate it alone. Our team provides the professional, detailed advocacy required to hold insurance companies accountable for every dollar you’ve lost. Contact The Kahn Law Firm to discuss your case and let us help you rebuild your financial security after an accident.

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