Slip and fall accidents can have serious consequences, often leaving victims with injuries that affect their ability to work. If you’ve been injured in a slip and fall, you may wonder what options are available to recover compensation. A key concern for many individuals is whether they can sue for lost future wages—especially if their injuries have long-term or permanent effects on their employment. Read on and reach out to a New York City slip and fall lawyer from the Law Office of Richard M. Kenny to learn more. Here are some of the questions you may have:
What Are Lost Future Wages in a Slip & Fall Accident?
Lost future wages refer to the earnings you are likely to lose in the future because of an injury that prevents you from working at the same capacity as before. When an injury is severe enough to impact your ability to perform your job, whether temporarily or permanently, you may be entitled to compensation for the income you will no longer be able to earn. This loss can include not just wages but also lost opportunities for promotions, bonuses, and career advancement.
Slip and fall accidents commonly occur in public places, like on sidewalks, in stores, or apartment buildings. If your injury was caused by someone else’s negligence, you may have a personal injury claim. But proving that your injury will result in lost future wages requires thorough documentation and, often, expert testimony.
How Can You Prove Lost Future Wages?
Proving lost future wages can be complex, but it is crucial for ensuring you receive the compensation you deserve. To support a claim for lost future wages, you must demonstrate the following:
- The extent of your injury – Medical records and reports from doctors are essential. They need to show that your injury will impact your ability to work long-term or permanently.
- The type of work you perform – Your job duties before the accident are also important. If your injury limits your ability to perform tasks that were part of your employment, this can strengthen your case.
- Your previous earnings – Past pay stubs, tax returns, or employer statements will help calculate how much you were earning before the accident. This establishes a baseline for determining future losses.
- Expert testimony – In some cases, testimony from medical professionals, vocational experts, or economists may be necessary to project how your injuries will affect your future earning potential.
Without clear and compelling evidence, it can be difficult to quantify future lost wages accurately. That’s why it’s important to work with an experienced personal injury attorney who can guide you through the process and ensure that all necessary documentation is presented.
What Compensation Can You Recover?
In a slip and fall case, compensation typically covers a variety of damages, not just future lost wages. If you’ve been injured, you may also be entitled to recover for:
- Medical expenses – This includes both past medical bills and the estimated costs of future treatments related to the injury.
- Pain and suffering – Non-economic damages like pain, emotional distress, and loss of enjoyment of life can also be considered.
- Lost current wages – Compensation for the wages you’ve already lost due to being unable to work.
CONTACT OUR EXPERIENCED NEW YORK CITY FIRM
Our entire legal team is dedicated to providing the advice you need and the personalized attention you deserve. If you have been injured due to another party’s negligence, call (212) 421-0300 or fill out our contact form to schedule a free consultation with a New York City personal injury lawyer. You may be entitled to financial compensation, which can help you on your road to recovery.