Legal Options for Motorcyclists When Involved in an Accident That Makes Them Lose Their Earning Capacity
More than any other driver or passenger, motorcyclists are at risk of suffering debilitating and life-altering injuries from an accident with a car or truck. If you’re suffering from severe injuries after a motorcycle accident in Nevada and are unable to go back to work, you may be able to obtain financial compensation for your lost wages, ability to earn in the future, and lost employment benefits, in addition to your other losses and damages. Get in touch with an experienced Las Vegas motorcycle accident attorney to discuss your situation and learn more about your legal options.
Compensation For Your Lost Wages
It’s very common for injured motorcyclists to be unable to return to work after their accident. Although this is temporary for many motorcyclists, it can be permanent for others. Other drivers may find they are physically unable to continue in their line of work and need to find an alternative job or career. Motorcycle drivers who are temporarily or permanently unable to work due to their injuries may be eligible to obtain financial compensation for their lost wages during their recovery.
Many motorcycle accident victims need a hospital stay and medical treatments that can include surgery, extensive physical therapy, and rehabilitation. Even if they can return to work, it can take weeks, months, or longer to be able to earn as much as they were earning before the crash. This is where working with a Las Vegas personal injury lawyer can be valuable as you seek to compensate your lost wages.
Depending on the circumstances of your accident, one or more parties may be liable. In some cases, you may also be able to obtain financial compensation from your own insurance company. Your attorney will examine the details of the situation to help determine who was at fault and liable for your damages.
The financial compensation that you may be able to recover include:
- Lost hourly wages or salary
- Lost overtime opportunities
- Lost tips, commission, and/or bonuses
- Retirement and 401(k) contributions
- PTO or sick days you were forced to take due to your injuries
- Insurance benefits
- Loss of ability to earn in the future
- Reduced ability to earn income in the future
What Is Lost Earning Capacity?
Lost capacity to earn is different from lost wages. When recovering compensation for lost wages, you’ll potentially be able to recover what you lost as a result of not being able to work immediately after your accident. Lost earning capacity is the future anticipated wages you lose because of a disability or injury from your accident that prevents you from being able to work your job. This can be a temporary or permanent injury. Lost earning capacity is a financial award that can pay the difference between what you earned before your accident and what you can earn now.
Victims who are no longer able to work at all due to their injuries may be able to recover financial compensation for what they would have reasonably earned throughout their lifetime if they had not been in the accident. If you can continue working in a different field that pays less, you may be able to recover compensation for the difference between your former and new wages.
To calculate your lost earning capacity, your accident attorney will carefully analyze multiple factors, including how much you earned before your motorcycle accident, what physical capabilities you have lost due to your injuries, the extent of your injuries, how much income you can earn now – if any, and your age and general health. To support these claims, your attorney may call upon a financial expert to provide expert testimony in your motorcycle accident case.
What About Government Disability Benefits?
Some people can secure financial benefits through Social Security Income (SSI) or Social Security Disability Insurance (SSDI) to help make up for their inability to continue working. Victims of motorcycle accidents are eligible for disability benefits even if they receive compensation after a settlement or judgment for their accident. A Las Vegas law firm specialized in motorcycle accidents can help you navigate the complexities of your unique situation to help you obtain the financial compensation that you deserve so you can continue to provide for your family and assist with your recovery.
Discuss Your Motorcycle Accident with an Experienced Personal Injury Firm in Las Vegas
If you’ve been injured in a recent motorcycle accident and are unable to continue working at your current job, get in touch with Benson & Bingham Accident Injury Lawyers, LLC. Our experienced attorneys are ready to review your case and provide solid advice about your legal options, which may include an insurance claim or lawsuit. Our extensive experience enables us to work with motorcycle victims with compassion and personal attention for the best possible outcome. Let us help your family find the solutions you need to move forward with recovery! Contact us today.
