If you’ve been in a car accident in Louisiana, and it caused injuries that kept you out of work, you’re probably wondering: can I be repaid for lost wages after a car accident? In short, yes. Louisiana law allows you to seek compensation for wages you missed due to injuries. You can also pursue future earning capacity if your ability to work is affected long-term.
Lost wages can be a major stressor if your injury means time off from work. That’s why it’s important to learn how the process works, what evidence you’ll need, and how the Louisiana personal injury attorneys of LJBLegal can help you fight for every dollar you deserve.
What Counts as Lost Wages After a Crash?
Lost wages include the hours, days or weeks you couldn’t work because of injuries from the accident. This covers time out for medical treatment or recovery. It also applies if you were physically unable to perform your job duties due to pain or medical restrictions.
Be sure to note all time missed. This means any shift you skipped, conference call you couldn’t join, or project you couldn’t complete.
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FREE Confidential Case Review (985) 240-9773How Do You Calculate Lost Wages if You’re an Hourly Worker?
For people paid by the hour this is straightforward: your hourly rate multiplied by the number of hours you missed. For example, if your hourly rate is $20 and you missed 40 hours, the calculation is:
$20 × 40 = $800
It’s simple math, but accurate documentation is key—you’ll need time cards or a statement from your employer.
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FREE Confidential Case Review (985) 240-9773How Is Lost Wages Calculated for Salaried Employees?
Salaried employees don’t get time cards. Instead, your lost wages are calculated based on your annual salary and the percentage of time you missed. For example, if you earn $52,000 per year and missed two weeks, you’d calculate:
$52,000 ÷ 52 = $1,000 per week- For two weeks:
$1,000 × 2 = $2,000
Again, records matter. Use pay stubs, a note from your HR department, and medical documentation to support your claim.
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FREE Confidential Case Review (985) 240-9773What Proof Do I Need to Support a Lost Wage Claim?
Proof is critical. Gather:
- Pay stubs or W‑2 forms showing your earnings
- Time cards or payroll records reflecting missed work
- Verification from your employer about time off and lost income
- Medical records confirming your injury and restrictions
- Doctor’s note stating you were advised not to work
When you submit this information, it helps show insurers or a judge that your lost wages are real and directly tied to the crash.
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FREE Confidential Case Review (985) 240-9773What If I’m Self‑Employed or a Contractor?
If you’re self‑employed or work gigs, documenting lost income is trickier. You’ll need items like:
- Tax returns from past years for your income baseline
- Invoices for jobs you couldn’t complete
- Bank statements showing missed payments or deposits
- Client communications canceling a job
This documentation shows your actual or estimated losses. It helps experts and the attorneys of LJBLegal calculate losses with accuracy.
Can I Recover Future Lost Earning Capacity?
Yes. If the crash affects your ability to earn a living long-term, you may qualify for lost earning capacity. These claims show how much income you could lose over your remaining working years due to your injury.
These cases require expert testimony. Professionals, like vocational rehabilitation specialists, economists, or medical experts, can calculate what your future career and earnings may look like without the injury. Then they subtract what you might earn with the injury. The difference is what you can claim.
How Do Insurance Companies Calculate Lost Wages?
Insurers often use a similar method to what’s described above. They’ll examine:
- Your average earnings
- The time you missed verified by documentation
- Any continuation of benefits or partial pay from your employer
But they may try to undervalue or minimize your claim. They might argue you could have done some work at home or that damages are less severe. That’s why you’ll need strong proof and a strong advocate, like the attorneys of LJBLegal, to push back and protect your rights.
Do I Need a Lawyer to Help With My Lost Wage Claim?
You don’t have to hire a lawyer, but it’s risky without one. Insurance companies often push for lower settlements, especially with complex claims like lost earning capacity. Having a lawyer means:
- Better documentation strategies to support your claim
- Strong negotiation skills to maximize your payout
- Access to experts who calculate future losses and vocational limitations
- Legal readiness if your case goes to court
The attorneys of LJBLegal focus on helping Louisiana clients. We know how to collect evidence, speak with experts, and handle insurers who value their bottom line over your recovery.
Will Lost Wages Include Benefits or Bonuses?
Yes, if your benefits and bonuses were part of your normal pay. That includes:
- Retirement contributions
- Health insurance coverage
- Commissions or performance pay
- Holiday and vacation pay you missed
You’ll need records showing how much value these add to your total compensation. This ensures you aren’t shortchanged in your claim.
How Soon Should I Start Documenting My Lost Wages?
Start right away. Do these things:
- Keep a work log that lists shifts or work you missed
- Save all pay stubs and bank statements that reflect missing income
- Ask your employer for a statement detailing lost time and pay
- Keep medical notes that recommend you don’t work
Quick action helps preserve clear evidence while memories are fresh and records are easy to get.
How Long Does It Take to Get Compensated for Lost Wages?
It varies depending on:
- Severity of your injury
- How strong your documentation is
- Whether the insurer disputes your claim
Some cases settle in a few months. More complex claims, like future earning capacity, can take longer, often six months to a year or more. Your attorney will stay in touch about progress and timelines every step of the way.
What If the Insurance Company Denies or Undervalues My Lost Wages?
If insurers deny or undervalue your claim, you can:
- Appeal through a formal demand letter
- Submit additional proof
- Use expert reports
- File a lawsuit if necessary
LJBLegal can handle each of these steps. We’ll push back on tactics meant to lower your payout. You deserve payment that matches your real losses.
How Can the Attorneys of LJBLegal Help Me Recover Lost Wages?
- Initial consultation to evaluate your case
- Help gathering records such as pay stubs, employer statements, and medical proof
- Connecting with experts to calculate lost earning capacity when needed
- Negotiating aggressively with insurers to secure full compensation
- Filing a lawsuit and representing you in court if needed
We understand your situation and will handle the details. You can focus on healing, not paperwork.
What Questions Should I Ask When Hiring a Car Accident Lawyer?
When talking with a lawyer, ask:
- How many car accident cases have you handled?
- Have you gotten lost wage claims for clients like me?
- Will you use experts for future earning capacity?
- What are your fees and costs?
- Who will be my main contact?
At LJBLegal, we’ve helped many Louisiana accident victims and worked with economists and vocational experts. We explain fees clearly and stick by your side.
What Should I Do Right Now if I Lost Wages in a Crash?
- Keep records of missed work, pay stubs, employer notes, and medical advice
- Reach out to the attorneys of LJBLegal for a free consultation
- Get a medical evaluation to document your injuries and limitations
- Stay organized and save all correspondence from your employer and insurer
The sooner you act, the stronger your case will be.
Why Is Planning for the Future Important?
Your case should cover more than past income, future losses matter too. Even small changes to your work could cost thousands over time. Getting help now protects your long-term earnings and the well-being of your family.
How Do I Get Started With LJBLegal?
Call us today at 985-240-9773 for a free, no pressure consultation. We’ll talk through your situation, explain your rights under Louisiana law, and outline how we can help you recover lost wages and more. We work on contingency, no fees unless we make a recovery.
What If My Injuries Don’t Heal Quickly?
If recovery is slower, it might mean more time out of work. We’ll update your claim with new medical records and lost time logs. You might also need long-term care or vocational support. We address each piece so your compensation reflects reality.
Can I Still File if the Crash Wasn’t My Fault?
Absolutely. Louisiana is a fault-based state. If another driver caused the accident, their insurance should pay your losses. Our job at LJBLegal is to show clearly that the crash, not your own behavior or outside factors, caused your injuries and lost income.
How Long Do I Have to File a Lost Wage Claim?
In Louisiana, the general deadline to file a personal injury lawsuit after a car accident is two years from the date of the crash. That includes lost wage claims. Waiting too long could let your rights expire. It’s best to act quickly and get help early.
If you can’t work because of injuries from a Louisiana car accident, you can recover lost wages, and possibly future losses as well. The process depends on your employment type and documentation. Handling everything alone is risky. The attorneys of LJBLegal know Louisiana law and how insurers work. We guide you from start to finish. Call us at 985-240-9773 to begin. You deserve compensation that covers real pain, real bills, and real recovery.
