Posted on 06/09/25
The costs resulting from an injury in an accident and the wages you lose during recovery can lead to financial hardship. Below, we look at your options for reimbursement for lost wages after an injury. Reimbursement depends on your insurance coverage and the cost of your damages, determined through a Buffalo accident claim.
No-Fault Insurance Coverage and Reimbursement for Lost Wages in Buffalo
New York implements a no-fault system of coverage for automobile accidents regardless of who is at fault for an accident. Drivers carry Personal Injury Protection (PIP) that covers many damages you may experience in an accident. One of those damages is lost wages.
How Much Will I Be Reimbursed for Lost Wages After an Injury?
PIP insurance covers up to 80% of lost wages or up to $2000 a month after an injury for up to three years. Purchasing optional auto insurance coverage, including additional PIP benefits, can increase the potential maximum amounts for lost wages. Additionally, it may be possible to be reimbursed for lost wages above what the standard no-fault coverage pays if you purchase Optional Basic Economic Loss (OBEL) coverage.
What if an Injury Results in Extensive Damages and Lost Wages?
You can file a lawsuit for damages if an injury meets New York’s serious injury threshold. Filing a lawsuit allows you to seek compensation for lost wages above what your insurance covers. Meeting the serious injury threshold will enable you to seek total compensation for lost wages. It may also allow you to seek compensation for lost future earning potential and wages if you cannot work.
What Does Lost Wages Include in New York?
A lost wage is not just the hourly amount or salary you earn. Lost wages due to an injury may include potential bonuses and tips, benefits, paid time off, and other earnings you do not receive due to an injury. It is vital to account for every impact an injury has on your wages.
How Do I Document Lost Wages in Buffalo to Receive Reimbursement?
You will need to account for your lost wages to receive reimbursement. If you work for an employer, a pay stub may prove your lost wages, including sick or vacation days you did not earn or use because of your injury. Tax returns, business records, and various financial statements may be necessary to prove lost wages if you are self-employed. Your medical records documenting the injury must also demonstrate the injury’s severity, preventing you from earning a wage.
Does Reimbursement for Lost Wages for an Injury Only Apply to Car Accidents?
Personal injury law covers various types of accidents. You may be able to seek reimbursement for lost wages due to injury in the following incidents:
- Slip, trip, and fall accidents
- Premises liability cases
- Pedestrian accidents
- Bicycle accidents
- Third-party workplace injuries
Each incident leading to injury has unique characteristics determining your right to reimbursement and how much of your lost wages you can recover. These complex details are crucial in determining reimbursement for lost wages and your financial recovery.
How Long Do I Have to File a Lawsuit for Lost Wages After a Serious Injury in Buffalo?
In most instances, you have three years from the date an injury occurs to file a lawsuit to recover lost wages and other damages. However, contacting a Buffalo personal injury lawyer to discuss reimbursement for lost wages as soon as possible is recommended to protect your legal rights.