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What Is the Difference Between Lost Wages and Loss of Earning Capacity?

What Is the Difference Between Lost Wages and Loss of Earning Capacity?

Shapiro Law Team June 21, 2021 Personal injury

When you or someone you love sustains an injury caused by the careless actions of another party, business, or entity, the liable individual should be financially responsible for the victim’s losses. When filing a personal injury claim, you have a right to recover compensation for the money you can no longer earn. This is especially true if the injured can’t work while recovering or has a long-term disability.

Though used interchangeably, loss of income and loss of earning capacity are separate issues. Below, we’ll discuss the difference between the two and highlight the evidence needed to prove loss of earning capacity and loss of income.

What Are Lost Wages?

Loss of income, also called lost wages, refers to the monetary amount of work you missed when recovering from an accident. Lost wages belong in the special class of damages. This is important when calculating damages.

Loss of earning income can account for the following:

  • Hourly or salary wages
  • Benefits
  • Overtime pay
  • Commission and bonuses
  • Vacation, holidays, and PTO
  • Business income

A lawyer will total your streams of income and determine how much earning potential you had before sustaining injuries.

Keep in mind: Damages for lost wages can include past, present, and future loss of income.

What Is Loss of Earning Capacity?

Loss of earning capacity is classified as general damage. This category of personal injury damage is strictly for victims with severe, life-changing injuries and disabilities:

  1. Amputation
  2. Paralysis
  3. Spinal cord injuries
  4. Slow recovering injuries
  5. Permanent brain damage

General damage is subjective, whereas special damage has clear monetary value.

The following losses are lost earning capacity:

  1. A reduction in workable hours due to injury
  2. Pain and suffering related to professional harm
  3. Future professional opportunities lost
  4. Any limitations on your earning potential

In a lawsuit, a judge or jury will determine what is fair for the damages suffered.

The Difference Between Lost Wages and Loss of Earning Capacity

Difference Between Lost Wages and Loss of Earning Capacity

Loss of income and lost earning capacity are legal damages from a personal injury lawsuit, but there are key differences. Namely, loss of income refers to past income. Lost earning capacity refers to future, unearned income.

Other differences refer to the victim’s ability to return to life in the same capacity as before the accident. For help determining which category of damages your injury claim is in, contact an experienced personal injury attorney.

How Do You Prove Losses of Income?

Proving loss of income requires showing what was lost between the time of the accident and the time of the lawsuit.

Potential evidence of loss of income could include:

  1. Professional contracts
  2. Income-related statements (W2, paystubs, 1099 form, etc.)
  3. Records of bonuses and gratuities
  4. Documents that show earnings over time

When considering what damages to pursue in a personal injury claim, it is best to consult with a litigator at Shapiro Law Team. Our attorneys will evaluate your accident claim, serve as your counsel, and seek awards for lost wages.

Do Only Permanent Injuries Qualify for Damages for Loss of Earning Capacity?

Not necessarily. If the victim has extensive injuries that haven’t healed, the representing attorney may advocate for loss of earning capacity before going to trial or settling. This happens with severe, non-permanent aliments (brain and nerve damage) that heal slowly.

What Is the Deadline for Filing a Lawsuit if I Have Lost Earnings?

For personal injury lawsuits in Arizona, victims (or their families) have two years to file a claim for lost earnings.

There are situations where the timeline may be extended:

  1. When the victim is a minor (delayed until the child is 18)
  2. When the victim leaves the state (delayed until the victim returns)

Keep in mind, that limitations vary by state and case type. Check with your local attorney to resolve your case and secure compensation before the statute of limitations expires.

Do I Need an Attorney for a Loss of Income or Lost Earning Capacity Claim?

Hiring an attorney at Shapiro Law Team is the most effective way to pursue and retain financial compensation for lost wages and/or lost earning capacity. Although you may be tempted to accept the first settlement the opposing insurance company offers, a lawyer will ensure you receive an amount that aligns with your injuries.

Shapiro Law Team specializes in personal injury claims. Secure compensation for a substantial injury with the Shapiro Law Team. Request your free legal consultation today.

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