Recovering Lost Wages After an Injury in Greensburg, PA
If you cannot work because of an injury, you can recover compensation for income lost during recovery and, in some cases, for reduced earning capacity in the future. The type of claim matters. An injury caused by another person’s negligence can support a personal injury claim, while a work-related injury can fall under Pennsylvania workers’ compensation. Our personal injury lawyers can help determine which type of claim applies, document lost income, and evaluate how the injury may affect future earnings.
Lost Wages Can Be Part of Your Personal Injury Claim
When another person’s conduct causes an injury, a personal injury claim can include income lost during recovery. This can include missed wages, reduced hours, and other documented employment income that would have been earned without the injury. Pay records, employer statements, and medical restrictions can help establish the amount lost.
A Personal Injury Can Also Reduce Your Future Earning Capacity
Returning to work does not always end financial losses. An injury can prevent someone from performing the same duties, working the same number of hours, or remaining in the same occupation. Medical restrictions, work history, education, and other evidence can help show how an injury affects future earning ability.
Work Injuries Follow Different Compensation Rules
Pennsylvania workers’ compensation can provide wage-loss and medical benefits for qualifying work-related injuries. Section 306 of the Workers’ Compensation Act establishes disability compensation rules, including total and partial disability benefits. Workers’ compensation is different from a personal injury lawsuit and generally does not require proof that the employer was negligent.
Medical Restrictions Can Show Why You Can’t Work
Medical records can explain why an injured person cannot work and how long restrictions can last. Useful evidence can include:
- Doctor’s work restrictions
- Medical records and treatment notes
- Pay stubs and tax records
- Employer statements
- Records of missed shifts or reduced hours
- Evidence showing duties you can no longer perform
The evidence should connect the injury to the work you can no longer perform and the income you lost.
Other Benefits Can Affect Your Income-Loss Claim
Personal injury damages, workers’ compensation benefits, and private disability benefits operate under different rules. Receiving one type of benefit does not automatically determine eligibility for another. The applicable claim, insurance policy, employment status, and benefit rules should be reviewed together.
Discuss Lost Income With a Greensburg Personal Injury Lawyer
A serious injury can affect current income and future earning ability. If an injury has affected your paycheck, contact Stine & Associates online or call 724-837-0160 for a complimentary case evaluation.