If you have been through a car accident due to the fault of another party and have suffered from lost career opportunities, you deserve compensation. Car accidents do not just harm you physically but disrupt your work by causing missed time, lost wages, and even a job loss. This can create extreme financial distress, especially if you have a family to feed.
Victims of car accidents are legally eligible to recover compensation in Arizona. You have the right to recover any damages you may have incurred due to the at-fault party’s negligence, including career-related losses. However, the legal process can be tricky. You need to prove the other party’s negligence, your injuries, handle insurance companies, etc.
This is where partnering with an attorney from a reputed firm in Arizona, such as the CLS Law, PLLC, gives you the best chance to secure fair compensation. They will evaluate your case thoroughly, dig deep for evidence, and defend your rights. Schedule an appointment with an attorney to know about your legal options.
Understanding the difference between lost wages and lost career opportunities
There are two significant damages that victims of car accidents claim are work-related– lost wages and loss of earning capacity.
Lost wages refer to the income that the victim of the accident loses while they get their medical treatment and recover. This refers to the daily wages they receive for their work. Claims for lost wages usually account for the worker’s hourly or daily payments.
On the other hand, loss of earning capacity is much more serious, and such damages often emerge after a severe car accident. Loss of earning capacity means that the individual’s injuries are bad enough to cause long-term effects and impact their professional life. The accident may have diminished their ability to work and earn the income they were earning before.
Arizona’s comparative law: Can you claim compensation?
The state of Arizona follows a comparative negligence system, which means that even if you are found to be partially at fault for the accident, you can still receive compensation. However, the compensation you receive will be reduced by the percentage of your fault.
For example, suppose that you are found to be 30% at fault, and your total damages are worth $100,000. 30% of the amount, that is, $30,000, will be reduced from the total, and you will receive the rest of it, that is $70,000.
Evidence required to prove “loss of earning capacity”
Loss of earning capacity is not an easy claim to make. You need solid evidence to show that your injuries have indeed reduced your ability to make a good income.
Medical documentation is vital in these cases. Your medical records contain detailed information about the injuries you have sustained, the treatments you have received/ are receiving, long-term prognosis, etc. Expert testimonies from vocational rehabilitation specialists or economic experts can significantly help your case as they are credible professionals.
Additionally, employment records, such as pay stubs, employment contracts, performance reviews, and any promotions, can show that you were earning a certain amount before your injury.
Arizona’s statute of limitations
In Arizona, the statute of limitations for all personal injury cases, including car accidents, is two years from the date of the accident. If you wish to make a lost wages or loss of earning capacity claim, this is the timeframe that you need to remember. Not filing your claim within this period can result in no compensation at all, regardless of the evidence you might have.
Claim for lost career opportunities today!
Claiming lost career opportunities or loss of earning capacity after a car accident in Phoenix, Arizona, is not easy. However, it does not have to be hard either. When you work with an attorney, a lot of things become easier. Hire one today!
