What if I Cannot go Back to Work After a Motor Vehicle Accident?

 Posted on September 30, 2022 in Car Accident

A person’s ability to work and support themself is paramount to their independence and, often, their self-esteem. For someone who is proud of the work they do and the life they have built, being unable to work because of an accident caused by a negligent driver can bring major life changes. You may worry about how you will support yourself and your family after having your ability to earn income taken from you. While nothing can restore you to your way of life before the motor vehicle accident, there may be compensation available that can make up for your lost future earnings. Those with short-term injuries can recover compensation for their lost wages - as can those with permanent injuries. 

The policy goal behind personal injury compensation is to leave you in the same position you were in before a negligent actor injured you, at least to the extent that money can make up for the harm inflicted. A skilled lawyer can fight for you to receive the best possible settlement or award. 

Compensation for Lost Future Earnings

Generally, car accident victims who have suffered permanent disabling injuries will be eligible to recover the entire amount that they would have earned throughout the course of their lives. Calculating this amount can be a challenging task. Numerous variables can affect a person’s lifetime earnings. Were you in line for a promotion and a big raise? Do you have other health issues that may have caused you to retire prematurely? 

It is also relevant whether you are still able to do any type of work, even if the work you can now perform pays less. For example, if you were a construction worker who lost a leg in an accident, you may not be able to return to construction work, but you could work as a cashier. If you are able to do any work, the amount you will earn in your lower-paid position will be subtracted from the total amount you likely would have earned before the accident. The difference is the amount of compensation you may be entitled to. 

If you are totally disabled and cannot perform any paid work, then you may be able to win the entire amount of future earnings you have lost as a result of the accident. These awards can be significant. 

With so much at stake, it is critically important to work with an experienced attorney. Cases involving lost future earnings can be complex, and are best handled by a lawyer. 

Contact a Larimer County Motor Vehicle Accident Lawyer

Hoggatt Law Office, P.C. is skilled in pursuing compensation for lost future earnings. Our experienced Fort Collins motor vehicle accident attorney will fight for you to recover the highest possible amount of financial compensation. Call 970-225-2190 for a free consultation. 

Source: 

https://leg.colorado.gov/sites/default/files/images/olls/crs2016-title-13.pdf