When you’re injured in an accident, the physical pain is often just the beginning. One of the most immediate concerns for many Charleston residents is how to recover lost income while they’re unable to work. Whether your personal injury occurred in a car accident, truck crash, or another accident-related injury, understanding how to file an accident claim for lost wages is critical to your financial recovery.
At Ted Law Firm, we help injured clients across Charleston County, North Charleston, and all of South Carolina pursue fair compensation for every dollar lost. If you’re facing medical bills, property damage, or emotional trauma, we provide the legal representation and guidance you need.
What Counts as Lost Wages?
Lost wages refer to income you would have earned if the accident hadn’t occurred. This can include:
- Hourly wage or salary
- Overtime pay
- Bonuses and commissions
- Vacation time or PTO used during recovery
- Missed business opportunities (for self-employed individuals)
In South Carolina, if a negligent party caused your personal injuries, you’re entitled to claim for damages including economic damages such as lost income.
When Can You Claim Lost Wages?
You may qualify to claim lost wages if:
- You were employed or self-employed when the accident happened
- You missed work due to medical treatments
- You have medical records, employment records, and proof of financial losses
How to Prove Lost Income
Insurance companies won’t just take your word for it. To build a successful claim, you need:
- Medical Records
Confirming the severity of your injuries and how they limited your job duties. - Employer Statement
Documenting your normal wages, hourly rate, bonuses, vacation days, and time missed. - Pay Stubs or Tax Returns
Use income tax return and tax returns to estimate current wage rates and earning capability. - Timesheets or Attendance Logs
Back up your claim with detailed records and employment verification. - Self-Employed?
Submit invoices, client emails, profit and loss statements, and even notes on missed business opportunities.
Filing a Personal Injury Claim for Lost Wages in Charleston, SC
Step 1: Get Medical Attention Immediately
This is vital for your health and building strong legal representation.
Step 2: Notify Your Employer
Keep a paper trail. Ask for a lost wage statement showing your monthly income and vacation time used.
Step 3: File a Personal Injury Claim
Include all medical costs, property damage, and lost income. You need a personal injury lawyer familiar with South Carolina laws.
Step 4: Gather Evidence
Organize all medical evaluations, employment records, pay stubs, and medical equipment receipts.
Step 5: Hire a Charleston Accident Attorney
The insurance adjusters are trained to limit your financial compensation. Let a personal injury attorney handle your insurance claim and demand maximum compensation.
Lost Wages vs. Loss of Earning Capacity
- Lost wages: Money already missed due to physical injuries
- Earning capacity: Future earnings you may never receive due to permanent disabilities or long-term disability
Can You Use PIP or MedPay for Lost Income?
Although South Carolina follows an at-fault system, Personal Injury Protection (PIP) or Medical Payments (MedPay) might cover part of your financial losses depending on your insurance policy.
Challenges in Lost Wage Claims
Your claim could be weakened due to:
- Lack of medical care or documentation
- Insurance company denying the level of fault
- Disputes over future losses and current wage rates
- Allegations about pre-existing conditions or lack of emergency treatment
Why Insurance Companies Push Back
They may say:
- Your medical treatments were excessive
- Your injuries weren’t serious (severe injuries, internal injuries, etc.)
- You exaggerated your earning capacity
- You didn’t seek proper emergency care
An experienced accident lawyer or law firm can counter these with legal experience, skilled medicals, and accident reconstruction experienced workers.
How Ted Law Firm Supports You
With extensive experience in Charleston County, Ted Law Firm helps clients:
- Accurately calculate lost wages, vacation time, and earning capacity
- Fight insurance company tactics
- Negotiate a fair settlement
- File a personal injury lawsuit if needed
Whether your injuries involve broken bones, neck injuries, or catastrophic injuries, we guide you through the claims process and legal system.
Don’t Let Your Lost Wages Go Uncompensated
If you’ve suffered a personal injury in South Carolina, don’t face this challenging time alone. Let our personal injury law firm handle the legal process while you focus on healing. Contact Ted Law Firm for trusted help with your claim for compensation, and secure the fair compensation you deserve.
Trust Ted Law Firm to guide you through life’s most difficult times. We’re committed to your recovery and peace of mind. We proudly represents injured moped riders and their families in Aiken, Charleston, Greenville, Columbia, Myrtle Beach, and Atlanta, advocating for accident victims across South Carolina and Georgia. When a devastating crash turns your world upside down, you can count on Ted Law Firm to stand by your side and provide the trusted legal support you deserve.
Contact us now for a free consultation and get the support you need today.
Attorney Ted Sink, founder of The Ted Law Firm, is a Yale, Stanford Business School, and Charleston School of Law graduate and former marketing executive who built a 7-figure law practice, earning millions for his clients. With experience in both law and advertising, Ted has been recognized in Forbes, Entrepreneur, and the ABA Journal. He speaks at industry conferences on marketing and law firm management, sharing insights from his unique background to help other firms grow. When not working, Ted enjoys traveling, diving, and dog-sitting golden retrievers.
