A car accident can leave you with severe injuries that require extensive medical care and a lengthy healing process. You may find yourself missing work as a result of being injured or you may be unable to perform your normal work tasks.
After an accident, the bills can pile up. If you’ve been put out of work after a car accident, medical bills can just be the cherry on top of a terrible financial situation.
Keep reading to learn more about lost wages, PIP insurance coverage, and what it means for your personal injury case.
Understanding Lost Wages
If you’re injured in an accident and miss work as a result, you are losing wages. After an accident, you’re not only left with medical bills but your normal life requires money to function normally. And if you are missing work, you are likely missing the money that supports your everyday way of life.
Economic damages, such as this, are eligible for reimbursement or compensation even in no-fault states like Florida. Lost wages are covered by most Personal Injury Protection plans, though the amount is dependent on your individual plan.
What If My Employer Offers Me Paid Time Off?
Are you still eligible to receive compensation for lost wages, even if your employer offers paid time off?
The answer is yes! Your employer may have offered you paid time off while you seek medical treatment or you may have used paid sick or vacation leave while enduring the road to recovery. You are still eligible to seek compensation for lost wages as you would have had no need to use the time off or other options if the accident had never occurred. The goal behind compensation for lost wages is to return back to your normal life, prior to the accident. This includes any time off that you were required to take to deal with the aftermath of a car accident.
Read More: PIP Insurance VS Health Insurance in Florida
What About Diminished Earning Capacity?
There are more severe circumstances that result in lost earning capacity. This means that, perhaps, you work a more physically demanding job and after a car accident, you can no longer do the same tasks you once did. Despite physical therapy and healing, your body has been compromised.
You may still be able to work, however, you may end up earning less which can have a negative impact on your quality of life as a whole.
Remember:
When it comes to lost wages, working closely with doctors and medical professionals is key. It is important to document your injuries, treatments, and progress when it comes to missing work and seeking medical attention.
We urge you to consult with a personal injury attorney as soon as you can. This can help bridge the gaps to create a solid action plan to recover lost wages and get you the compensation necessary to live life fully again.
If you’re interested in working with us, please give us a call today for a free case evaluation. We look forward to hearing from you.
