When bills continue to stack up like an insurmountable mountain—all because you can't work due to the injuries inflicted upon you—it’s understandable to be worried about what the future may hold. It's a scenario that thousands of Missouri truck accident victims face each year, as the repercussions of truck driver negligence extend far beyond the crash itself.
At Beck & Beck, we help Missouri residents like you receive the maximum possible compensation for their lost wages and loss of future earning capacity. Although we can’t turn back time and prevent the accident from occurring, we can help ensure that you have the financial resources you need to move forward with your life.
How a Missouri Personal Injury Claim Compensates You for Loss of Income
In a personal injury claim, there are two primary ways you are compensated for how the accident affects your ability to earn a living: compensation for lost wages and compensation for loss of future earning capacity. These damages aim to restore you as closely as possible to the financial position you would have been in if the accident hadn't occurred.
Lost Wages
When you're injured in a truck accident and unable to work, you suffer immediate financial losses in the form of lost wages. Lost wages include the income you would have earned from your job during the period you could not work due to your injuries. This encompasses your regular salary and any bonuses, overtime pay, or other benefits you would have received if the accident hadn't occurred.
Loss of Future Earning Capacity
Future earning capacity refers to the potential income you could have earned if you hadn't been injured. This is especially significant if your injuries result in long-term or permanent disabilities that affect your ability to work in the same capacity as before.
Proving Lost Wages and Future Earning Capacity
Establishing the extent of your lost wages and future earning capacity damages requires a comprehensive and well-documented approach. Let’s look at what's typically involved in proving these damages.
Documentation of Income and Employment
If you're an employee, proving lost wages usually involves providing evidence such as pay stubs and statements from your employer. If you are self-employed, you can prove your lost wages with tax returns, bank statements, appointment records, contracts, and client communication.
Medical Records
Linking your injuries directly to your inability to work is crucial. Detailed medical records that clearly illustrate the extent of your injuries and how they hinder your capacity to perform your job are vital pieces of evidence.
Expert Testimony
Vocational experts and economists can provide insights into how your injuries might impact your ability to earn money over time. Their testimony can lend credibility to your claims and strengthen your case.
How a Personal Injury Lawyer From Beck & Beck Can Help
Navigating the legal complexities of lost wages and future earning capacity damages requires a deep understanding of personal injury law and the skills to gather, analyze, and present evidence effectively. Let’s look at the benefits of hiring a personal injury lawyer from Beck & Beck.
Legal Knowledge
Our personal injury lawyers understand the nuances of Missouri's laws and regulations surrounding truck accidents, lost wages, and future earning capacity damages. Their experience ensures you don't miss out on any potential compensation you're entitled to.
Evidence Gathering
Gathering the necessary evidence to prove your lost wages and future earning capacity requires meticulous attention to detail. As Missouri's only law firm focusing exclusively on auto accident law, we know what documentation to collect and how to present it persuasively.
Negotiation and Advocacy
Insurance companies often try to minimize their payouts, leaving you with inadequate compensation. Our Missouri personal injury lawyers will negotiate with insurance companies on your behalf, ensuring your rights are protected and you receive a fair settlement.
Litigation
If negotiations fail to yield a satisfactory outcome, we can take your case to court. Our courtroom experience is invaluable in presenting your case persuasively before a judge and jury—especially when you’re up against a large trucking company with a team of lawyers working to keep you from getting what you’re owed.