What Happens If You Can’t Return to Work After an Injury in Seattle?

Colburn Law

Posted in Blog,Worksite Injury on April 22, 2024

Discovering that an injury prevents you from returning to work can be an incredibly daunting experience.

When you are already dealing with medical expenses, property repairs, and other costs, the loss of income can compound the financial hardship that you are already facing. Depending on the cause of the accident, however, you may be eligible for compensation to help pay for lost wages as well as the loss of future earnings.

How Can an Injury Affect Your Ability to Work?

An injury can affect your professional life in many ways, but these effects can vary based on the duties of your job and the type and severity of the damage in question. For example, many jobs require physical activities such as standing, lifting, or manual dexterity. Injuries like broken bones, back injuries, or other physical harm can limit your ability to perform these tasks.

Injuries that affect the brain, such as concussions or other types of traumatic brain injuries, can impair cognitive functions. This might manifest as difficulty concentrating, memory problems, or an inability to perform complex tasks. These impairments can hinder performance in roles that require critical thinking, problem-solving, or detailed attention.

Your Options for Compensation After an Injury

If your injury was caused by another party, you might be eligible for compensation that can help cover lost income and future earnings. The following avenues can provide crucial financial support during this challenging time:

• Workers’ Compensation Claims: If you are injured on the job, workers’ compensation claims can provide benefits for wage loss in the form of temporary or permanent disability benefits. You may also be eligible for vocational rehabilitation, which can help you find a new job.
• Personal Injury Lawsuits: You can file a lawsuit against the person or entity responsible for your injury to recover damages, including full income loss and compensation for future earnings if you are unable to return to your previous position.

How Are Lost Income Damages Calculated?

When calculating lost income damages due to an injury, you will need to consider several factors.

First, you will need to gather documentation that quantifies your current lost wages, such as tax forms and pay stubs. You will also need to factor in the loss of benefits, such as health insurance, pension contributions, and other perks.

Calculating the loss of future earnings can be more complex. You will need to account for what you would have likely earned if the injury had not occurred, considering career growth, likely promotions, and natural salary increases over time. This will need to be adjusted for your age, life expectancy, and the typical trajectory for your career.

A Seattle personal injury attorney can work with you to ensure that your lost income damages are accurately calculated and that you recover a fair settlement for your losses. From enlisting the help of experts to negotiating with insurance providers, your lawyer can fight for your right to compensation. After your accident, schedule a free consultation to learn about your legal options.