What Happens If I Miss Work After An Accident?
Lost income is one of the most overlooked categories of accident damages. Here is how to track and recover it.
Missed work after an accident is recoverable, but only if it is properly documented. Many people leave thousands of dollars on the table because they did not realize what counted.
What qualifies as lost income: . Hourly or salaried wages for days you could not work . Used sick days, vacation days, or PTO (yes, these count, because they have value) . Lost bonuses, commissions, or tips . Reduced hours or light-duty pay . Self-employment income, documented through invoices and bank deposits . Lost future earning capacity if injuries cause long-term limitations
How to document it: . Request a letter from your employer confirming missed days, hourly rate, and any PTO used . Keep pay stubs from before and after the accident . For self-employment, gather tax returns, 1099s, invoices, and bank statements . Keep a daily log of missed work, partial days, and tasks you could not perform
If you cannot return to your previous role at the same capacity, a vocational expert can help calculate the long-term financial impact.
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