Yes, you can sue for lost wages after a car accident in Ohio if another driver caused the crash and your injuries prevented you from working. Lost wages may include both the income you have already missed and, in some cases, future earnings you may lose if your injuries keep you from returning to your previous job or career.
Because insurance companies often dispute these claims, working with an Ohio car accident attorney who understands how to document and prove wage loss can make a meaningful difference. At Gervelis Law Firm, we help injured Ohioans protect their right to compensation while managing the insurance process from start to finish.
What Are Lost Wages in an Ohio Car Accident Claim?
In Ohio car accident cases, lost wages are the income you could not earn because accident-related injuries kept you from working. Ohio law treats lost wages as economic damages, meaning they are measurable financial losses tied directly to the harm caused by another party’s negligence.
To recover lost wages, your income loss must be connected to the accident and supported by medical evidence showing that time away from work or work limitations were necessary. This applies regardless of whether you are paid hourly, salaried, self-employed, or earn income through commissions or tips.
Lost Income You May Be Able to Recover
Depending on how your injuries affected your ability to work, an Ohio car accident claim may include compensation for:
- Wages or salary lost while recovering from injuries
- Missed overtime, bonuses, or commissions
- Sick time, vacation time, or paid time off used because of the accident
- Reduced earnings due to temporary work restrictions or fewer hours
- Income lost by self-employed individuals, independent contractors, or gig workers
These losses are separate from medical expenses and other damages and are often closely reviewed by insurance companies, making accurate documentation critical.
What Evidence Do You Need to Prove Lost Wages After a Car Accident?
To successfully recover lost wages in an Ohio car accident lawsuit or insurance claim, proof is essential. You must show that your injuries directly prevented you from working and that the income you lost can be reasonably calculated. Without clear documentation, insurance companies often dispute or undervalue lost wage claims.
Evidence Commonly Used to Prove Lost Wages in Ohio
Lost wage claims are typically supported by a combination of medical, employment, and financial records, including:
- Medical records or doctor statements confirming your injuries and any work restrictions
- Pay stubs, wage statements, or employer verification showing your normal earnings
- Documentation of missed workdays or reduced hours due to the accident
- Tax returns, profit and loss statements, invoices, or bank records for self-employed individuals
- Written confirmation from an employer explaining how the injury affected your ability to work
The evidence must clearly connect your income loss to the accident itself, not to unrelated health issues or scheduling decisions. Reviewing the official crash report can also help confirm timelines and support wage loss documentation.
Why Insurance Companies Challenge Lost Wage Claims
Insurance companies frequently scrutinize lost wage claims, especially when income varies or the injured person is self-employed. Common challenges include questioning whether time off was medically necessary, disputing income amounts, or arguing that losses are speculative without sufficient records.
Building a strong claim requires organizing the right evidence early and presenting it in a way that clearly supports your right to compensation for a car accident under Ohio law.
Who Pays for Lost Wages After a Car Accident in Ohio?
In Ohio, lost wages after a car accident are typically paid by the insurance company of the party who caused the crash. Ohio follows a fault-based system, which means the at-fault driver is financially responsible for the damages they cause, including income you lose because your injuries prevent you from working.
Compensation may come from the at-fault driver’s bodily injury liability coverage, or in some cases from your own policy, such as uninsured or underinsured motorist coverage or medical payments coverage. When insurance limits are too low or a claim is denied, recovering lost wages may require filing a personal injury lawsuit against the at-fault driver.
Because more than one insurance policy may apply and insurers often dispute wage loss claims, identifying the correct source of compensation early can play a significant role in the outcome of your case.
Can You Sue for Future Lost Income After a Car Accident?
Yes. In Ohio, car accident victims may seek compensation for future lost income when accident-related injuries limit their ability to earn a living long term. Because future lost income can significantly affect the overall value of a claim, understanding how wage loss fits into a broader Ohio car accident settlement can be helpful when evaluating your legal options.
Future lost income applies when injuries prevent you from returning to your prior job, reduce your work hours, force you into lower-paying work, or create permanent work restrictions. Instead of focusing on past paychecks, these claims address the income you are reasonably expected to lose because of the accident.
Because future losses are based on projections, insurance companies often challenge them. Medical evidence, work history, and financial records are commonly used to show that future income loss is directly tied to the injuries caused by the crash.
What If the Insurance Company Denies My Lost Wage Claim?
Insurance companies do not automatically approve lost wage claims, even when injuries are legitimate. A denial often occurs when the insurer argues that the income loss was not medically necessary, not properly documented, or not directly caused by the car accident.
Common reasons insurers deny or reduce lost wage claims include disputes over the severity of injuries, gaps in medical treatment, incomplete employment records, or inconsistent income history. Self-employed individuals and workers with variable earnings are often subject to even greater scrutiny.
When a lost wage claim is denied, the next steps may include submitting additional evidence, challenging the insurer’s decision, or pursuing compensation through a personal injury lawsuit. In these situations, timing is crucial, as delays can impact evidence availability and legal deadlines under Ohio law.
How Gervelis Law Firm Helps With Lost Wage Claims After a Car Accident
Insurance companies often challenge lost wage claims to limit what they pay. Gervelis Law Firm helps injured Ohioans protect their income by moving quickly, gathering strong evidence, and holding insurers accountable when claims are delayed or denied. Our approach is results-driven and client-focused.
Our Ohio car accident attorneys know how to prove lost wages for hourly and salaried employees, as well as self-employed and contract workers. We document income loss, address insurer disputes, and pursue legal action when necessary, including claims involving future lost income.
We assist clients in communities throughout the state, including Columbus, Toledo, Canfield, Youngstown, and Warren. Call Gervelis Law Firm at 866-792-2728 or contact us online for your free consultation.