When you are injured in a car accident, your thoughts first turn to the physical and emotional effects on your life. However, there are financial consequences as well. Lost wages may not be an immediate concern, but they can be significant. According to data from the US Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, Florida sustained $2.99 billion in work loss costs for the 2,450 victims who died in motor vehicle crashes in 2013. While this figure is proof of how accidents have an economic impact across the entire state, there are also costs linked to the individual victim’s losses. Your household may sustain financial woes from your lost income, especially if you are rendered temporarily or permanently disabled.
Therefore, seeking compensation for your lost wages is every bit as important as other types of damages. A skilled Ocala, FL auto accidents attorney can explain the full effect of your foregone income, but an overview should demonstrate the extensive consequences.
Wages During Hospitalization: If you were admitted to the hospital for treatment, you obviously cannot work. The effects for a salaried employee may not be as immediate as they are for an hourly wage-earner, but even paid time off benefits will eventually lapse.
Lost Wages While You Recover: For injuries that require recovery time, your healthcare provider will typically recommend rest and avoiding certain types of physical exertion. Following doctors orders may prevent you from working during your recovery, especially in occupations that require strenuous activity. Your lost income can be significant when your injuries are so severe that you are out of work for weeks or months.
Time Off for Doctors Appointments and Related Care: Once you return to work, it is possible that you will need to attend appointments with your own physician, a physical therapist, massage, therapist, chiropractor, or other healthcare provider. These visits take time, affecting your hourly wage, or you could run out of paid time off as a salaried employee.
Long-Term or Permanent Disability: With some auto accident injuries, you may not ever be able to return to your job. Your physical limitations or disability prevent you from engaging in the occupation you enjoyed before the crash. Though your employer may find another position for you, your income could take a hit. If you are unable to work at any level, your entire future is put into jeopardy because of your injuries.
Discuss Lost Wages and Other Damages with a Skilled Ocala, FL Auto Accidents Lawyer
Your lost income may not seem to be much in the short term, but it can add up over time to affect your entire household. With help from a knowledgeable car collision attorney, you can recover the wages you forego during hospitalization, your recovery period, and into the future. To hear more about your legal right to compensation, please contact Piccin & Glynn, Attorneys at Law, to schedule a free consultation. You can call our Ocala, FL office at 352-558-8480 or go online to set up an appointment.
Resource:
cdc.gov/motorvehiclesafety/pdf/statecosts/fl-2015costofcrashdeaths-a.pdf
http://SHOULD I HIRE AN ATTORNEY AFTER A FLORIDA CAR ACCIDENT?