How to Prove Your Lost Income After an Injury: A Simple Guide

What Every Injured Person Needs to Know About Wage Loss Claims

When you’re injured and can’t work, you deserve compensation for your lost income. Insurance companies are skeptical by nature and will question your claim. Here’s how to build a rock-solid case for every penny you deserve.

Documentation Is Your Best Friend

For Employed People:

1. Get an official statement from your employer listing:
   • Your normal salary
   • Hours worked per week
   • Time missed due to injury
   • Any overtime you typically work
2. Collect supporting documents:
   • Pay stubs
   • Recent tax returns (W-2 forms)
   • Time cards
   • Work calendars
   • Direct deposit records
3. Ask your doctor for written work restrictions stating:
   • Why you cannot work
   • How long you should stay off work
   • Any limitations when you return

For Self-Employed People:

Your situation is more challenging, but these steps will help:

1. Gather financial records:
   • Tax returns for the past 3-5 years
   • Current financial statements
   • Business calendars showing appointments
   • Letters from clients about postponed work
2. Document business opportunities lost with:
   • Letters from potential clients
   • Copies of projects you couldn’t accept
   • Evidence of seasonal patterns in your business
3. Consider hiring an accountant to prepare a detailed letter explaining:
   • Your business history
   • Income patterns
   • Projected losses

For Commission-Based People:

1. Make copies of your day planner showing:
   • Scheduled appointments you missed
   • Clients you were working with
   • Prospects “in the pipeline”
2. Get documentation from your employer about:
   • Your recent commission history
   • Year-to-date earnings
   • Pending deals that were affected

Don’t Forget Additional Compensation

You’re entitled to more than just your base pay:

• Overtime you would have earned
• Sick leave you had to use
• Vacation time spent recovering
• Time off for medical appointments

For all of these, get written documentation from your employer confirming the monetary value.

Remember: Insurance Companies Are Skeptical

Insurance adjusters assume all lost wage claims are exaggerated. They will only pay what you can prove with documentation. Never rely on verbal statements alone – get everything in writing.

Put yourself in the adjuster’s position: What would convince YOU to pay thousands of dollars for someone’s lost income? Gather that evidence, and your claim will be much stronger.