If you are involved in an accident in which your injuries prevent you from working in New Jersey, you may be able to recover lost wages, as fortunately, there are several legal options available in New Jersey. This includes Personal Injury Protection (PIP), workers’ compensation, lawsuits, disability insurance, and claims filed against the negligent party’s insurance. However, your options will ultimately depend on the circumstances of your accident, where the injury occurred, and available insurance coverage. Keep reading and contact a Bergen County injury lawyer for legal advice and representation.
Understanding Lost Wage Compensation After a New Jersey Injury
Lost wages are income you are unable to earn because you cannot work due to an injury. Depending on the circumstances of your accident, you may be able to recover compensation for the following:
- Missed paychecks
- Hourly wages
- Salary income
- Overtime opportunities
- Bonuses
- Commission
- Self-employment income
- Reduced earning capacity caused by long-term injuries
- Lost employment benefits, in some situations
In Bergen County, lost wage claims often arise following collisions on Route 17, the Garden State Parkway, and Route 4. Injured workers and drivers in communities like Hackensack, Paramus, Glen Rock, and Ridgewood often face considerable financial stress when injuries prevent them from working.
Can You Recover Lost Wages After an Accident?
Yes, in New Jersey, injured individuals may be eligible to recover lost wages through:
- Personal Injury Protection (PIP) insurance coverage following a car accident
- Workers’ compensation following a workplace injury
- Disability insurance benefits
- Liability claims against the negligent party
- A personal injury lawsuit seeking both economic and non-economic damages
Five Common Ways to Recover Lost Wages in Bergen County
There are several ways in which injured individuals in New Jersey can recover compensation for lost wages, depending on the circumstances of the case.
1. Personal Injury Protection
Personal Injury Protection (PIP) is a form of no-fault insurance required under NJ state law. All New Jersey drivers are required to carry PIP for protection in case of an injury during a car accident.
If your injury arose during an auto accident, you can recover lost wages through a PIP claim with your own provider, regardless of who is responsible for the collision. PIP benefits can help reimburse a portion of your lost income while you recover.
Key Facts About PIP Wage Benefits
- PIP coverage is typically available, regardless of fault
- Claims are filed against your own insurance policy
- Benefits can include income for missed work
- Coverage depends on your policy limits
- PIP can also help cover medical expenses and other costs
2. Liability Insurance Claim Against the At-Fault Driver
If your injury was caused by someone else’s negligence, like in a car accident or premises liability incident, you could file an insurance claim against the liable party’s insurance company.
Because the other individual’s negligent or reckless behavior directly led to your ailment and forced you to take time off work, you can request compensation through an insurance settlement, which can cover lost wages.
Evidence Often Used to Prove Lost Wages
- Pay stubs
- Tax returns
- Medical records documented work restrictions
- Prior earnings
- Self-employment income records
- Disability letters from physicians
3. Personal Injury Lawsuit
If another individual or entity was responsible for your accident and injury, you may be entitled to pursue a personal injury lawsuit against the responsible party.
Through a personal injury lawsuit, you can seek compensation for:
- Medical expenses
- Property damage
- Emotional distress
- Lost wages
- Reduced earning capacity
When a Lawsuit May Become Necessary
A lawsuit may be appropriate when:
- Insurance coverage does not cover the full extent of damages
- Liability is disputed
- Serious injuries result in long-term loss of income
- Settlement cannot be reached
- Future earning capacity is reduced
4. Workers’ Compensation Benefits
Workers’ compensation provides medical benefits and wage reimbursement for employees who are injured on the job or during work-related activities.
Once you report the injury to your employer, they can submit a claim, and you will receive benefits once it is approved. These benefits include at least a percentage of your lost wages.
New Jersey workers’ compensation benefits may include temporary disability payments if you are unable to work because of a job-related injury.
What Happens if I Was injured at Work?
If you are injured at your place of work in Bergen County, or anywhere in New Jersey for that matter, you should:
- Immediately report the injury to your employer
- Seek authorized medical care
- File a workers’ compensation claim
- Consider temporary benefits if you miss more than seven days of work
- Medical expenses may also be available through workers’ compensation
5. Disability Insurance Benefits
If you have short-term or long-term disability insurance through your job or a private policy, it can help replace lost wages while you recover.
This type of insurance will generally cover a percentage of your income if you are unable to work due to an injury or illness.
Situations Where Disability Benefits May Apply
- An injury or illness prevents you from performing your job duties
- Recovery requires a considerable absence from work duties
- A medical provider confirms you are unable to perform your job duties
- You qualify under a private or employer-sponsored disability policy
- You are eligible for New Jersey Temporary Disability Insurance
How Do You Prove Lost Wages in Bergen County?
To successfully recover lost wages and reduced earning capacity in New Jersey, you’ll need strong documentation that shows these losses.
Documents That Can Strengthen Your Claim
- Medical records
- Time-off records
- W-2s
- Employer verification letters
- Self-employment profit-and-loss statements
- Expert vocational evaluations in serious cases
- Disability paperwork
Contact an Experienced Bergen County Injury Firm Today
There are many ways that you can recover compensation for lost wages after an accident and subsequent injury in Glen Rock, Hackensack, Paramus, or the surrounding Bergen County communities. You must stay aware of your rights and legal options. Contact a skilled attorney at Feitlin, Youngman, Karas & Gerson, LLC for more information today
