When you find yourself involved in a Tennessee car crash that was the result of someone else’s negligence, you may face an uphill battle. In addition to the physical toll any injuries you sustained in the crash may take, you may also find that you are unable to work and earn a living in the aftermath. Under these circumstances, you may decide to try to secure compensation for the wages you lost.
Per FindLaw, “lost wages” refers to the money you would typically make at your job, had you not suffered injuries in a car wreck that prevented you from working. How might you strengthen your case for lost wages?
By furnishing a note from your doctor
A doctor’s note or disability slip serves as proof that your injury is severe enough to keep you from working. The note should detail the nature and severity of the injury. It should also contain information about how long your doctor thinks your injury is going to sideline you from work.
By providing pay stubs
You should also submit paystubs you received before your car crash that detail exactly how much you were making. If you do not have paystubs, you may be able to use tax documents from the year before to show how much you were making.
By having your employer draft a letter
Along with your doctor’s note and payment information, you are going to need to secure a letter from your employer. The letter should detail the days you missed because of your injury, how much you were making before it and how many hours you typically worked during each pay period.
It may benefit you to wait until your condition has improved and your treatment is almost complete before making a claim for lost wages.
