After an accident, the financial impact often extends far beyond medical bills. Many injury victims in Massachusetts are forced to miss work while recovering, leading to lost income and additional stress during an already difficult time. Fortunately, injured individuals may be able to recover compensation for lost wages through an insurance claim or personal injury lawsuit.
Types of Accidents Eligible for Lost Wage Claims
Lost wage claims can arise from many different types of accidents caused by another party’s negligence. In Massachusetts, injured victims may seek compensation for missed income after incidents such as:
- Car accidents
- Truck and motorcycle crashes
- Slip and fall accidents
- Workplace accidents involving third parties
- Pedestrian or bicycle accidents
- Dog bites
- Construction accidents
Compensation may include hourly wages, salary, overtime, commissions, bonuses, and even lost earning capacity if your injuries affect your long-term ability to work.
Do I File a Claim Against My Own Insurance or the Other Party’s?
The answer depends largely on the type of accident and the insurance coverage involved. Massachusetts follows a no-fault insurance system for car accidents, meaning injured drivers often first seek compensation through their own Personal Injury Protection (PIP) coverage.
PIP benefits may cover a portion of lost wages regardless of who caused the crash. However, if injuries are severe or damages exceed available PIP benefits, you may also have the right to pursue a claim against the at-fault party’s insurance company.
For other types of personal injury accidents, such as slip and falls or premises liability claims, lost wages are typically pursued directly through the liable party’s insurance carrier or through a personal injury lawsuit.
Tips for Maximizing Your Recoverable Damages Award
There are several important steps accident victims can take to strengthen a lost wage claim and improve their chances of recovering fair compensation.
First, seek medical treatment immediately and follow all recommended care plans. Medical records play a critical role in proving that your injuries prevented you from working.
You should also maintain documentation related to your employment and lost income, including:
- Pay stubs and tax returns
- Employer statements verifying missed work
- Medical notes restricting work activity
- Records of used sick leave or vacation time
- Documentation of reduced hours or diminished earning ability
Avoid speaking extensively with insurance adjusters before understanding the full value of your claim. Early settlement offers may not account for future medical treatment or ongoing wage losses.
Do I Have to Work with an Attorney?
An attorney can help gather evidence, calculate damages, negotiate with insurance companies, and ensure important deadlines are met. This is especially important in cases involving serious injuries, disputed liability, or long-term disability.
Insurance companies frequently look for ways to reduce claims, and unrepresented individuals may unknowingly accept less than they deserve.
Call Tetzel Law Today
If you missed work because of injuries caused by an accident in Massachusetts, you may be entitled to compensation for your lost income and other damages. Tetzel Law helps injury victims pursue the financial recovery they need to move forward after an accident.
Contact Tetzel Law online using our intake form or by phone at (617) 742-1700 today to discuss your case and learn how an experienced personal injury attorney can help protect your rights