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Can I Recover Lost Wages in a Personal Injury Lawsuit?

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Kantrowitz, Goldhamer, Graifman, Perlmutter & Carballo, P.C.

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Written/Reviewed By:

Barry S. Kantrowitz, Esq.

Last Updated: Jun 5, 2026

Read Time: 3 mins

You could recover lost wages in a personal injury lawsuit if you were employed at the time of the accident and forced to miss work due to your injuries. You will need to provide documentation that proves the wages and other benefits you could not recoup because of your accident. At Kantrowitz, Goldhamer, Graifman, Perlmutter & Carballo, P.C., we have the experience and the knowledge to guide you through this process. We are tireless advocates for our clients.

Different Types of Compensation That Fall Under Lost Wages

Lost wages mean the amount you would have made had your injuries not forced you to miss time at work. This amount is calculated by determining your average daily wage and multiplying that by the number of days you missed. While lost wages may sound like a relatively straightforward term, it also encompasses a number of different forms of compensation, including the following:

Salary
Hourly wages
Tips
Bonuses
Incentives
Benefits
Vacation time
Paid sick leave
Retirement accounts

How You Can Prove the Amount of Your Lost Wages

As noted, it’s important to hire legal representation because you are eligible to recover different types of compensation under the umbrella of lost wages. At Kantrowitz, Goldhamer, Graifman, Perlmutter & Carballo, P.C., we always recommend that individuals consult with an experienced personal injury lawyer as soon as possible following the accident. They will explain how you can go about documenting the precise amount. Some of the items you will want to procure may include:

Proof of employment at the time of the accident, such as an employment contract
Pay stubs
Tax returns
Written documentation from your employer that specifies what you were making at the time of the accident

What Is Future Lost Wages?

Please note that even if you can ultimately return to work following your accident, you may still be eligible to recover for past lost wages. Similarly, your lawsuit may be settled or go to trial before you can return, especially if you were seriously injured. If this is the case, you may be eligible to recover future lost wages. These are typically awarded when the victim is expected to incur a further loss of wages even after resolving the personal injury lawsuit. Some of the tools you may use to prove that amount would include:

Testimony of a medical expert who is familiar with your prognosis and understands if and when you might be expected to make a full recovery, and to what degree you will be able to return to the workforce
A financial expert’s testimony that can specify earnings and benefits you would have been expected to earn had you not been injured

Outstanding Results

For nearly half a century, we have been zealously advocating for justice on behalf of injured victims. We pride ourselves in providing exactly what many personal injury victims are looking for– the ability to take your case and win a substantial amount of financial compensation on your behalf, and also the compassion and personal attention that your case deserves. That is why our slogan is “Big enough to do it all, small enough to care.”

Contact Us for a Free Consultation

If you have missed time from work due to an injury suffered in an accident, call Kantrowitz, Goldhamer, Graifman, Perlmutter & Carballo, P.C. to schedule a free case review. We handle personal injury cases, in Rockland and Bergen Counties and elsewhere, on a contingency fee basis– meaning we never bill our clients unless they win their case.

Why Trust Us?

150+ Reviews

50+ Years of Service

Full-Service Law Firm

Client Reviews

    
 
 
      Posted on Google  
   Kenny Perlow 
 16 days ago
 
 
 Trustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google. KGG Law, and Barry Kantrowitz in particular, set the bar high for what a thorough, practical, strategic, compassionate and smart lawyer can be. Everything about Barry's advice and representation was exemplary and the stress mitigation that resulted was invaluable. On top of that, the ultimate result Barry achieved was beyond what was reasonable to expect and we are forever grateful. Often, people say that you hire a lawyer to prevent a problem. Sometimes, unfortunately, you need an attorney to solve a problem and I could not recommend Barry and his firm any more highly in that regard.
  
 
     Posted on Google  
   Aliza Ali 
 80 days ago
 
 
 Trustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google. My dad had a great experience with this law firm. From the very beginning, the team was professional, knowledgeable, and always willing to answer our questions. They kept us informed throughout the entire process and made what could have been a very stressful situation much easier to handle. We truly appreciated their dedication, honesty, and hard work. Thanks to their support, my dad felt confident every step of the way. We are very grateful for everything they did and would highly recommend this firm to anyone looking for reliable legal representation.
  
 
     Posted on Google  
   Jana Montero 
 83 days ago
 
 
 Trustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google. I had a wonderful experience working with Sam Smith. He was very responsive, thorough, and easy to work with from start to finish. He walked me through everything clearly and made what started as a very stressful situation for me into something completely manageable. I would not hesitate to recommend him and the firm!
  
 
     Posted on Google  
   Mike Sakmann 
 89 days ago
 
 
 Trustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google. I sought legal advice regarding an employment matter and had an excellent experience working with Sam Smith, Esq. at KGG Law. Sam was thorough, attentive, and took the time to listen carefully to my concerns before providing clear, thoughtful guidance. I appreciated the professionalism and care shown throughout the process, and I would confidently recommend KGG Law to anyone in need of legal assistance.
  
 
     Posted on Google  
   Liz Hecker 
 95 days ago
 
 
 Trustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google. I can't say enough about this firm. They manage to comfort you during the whole legal process while staying professional and doing what is right. I would recommend them to anyone and also hire them again if I need legal help.
  
 
     Posted on Google  
   Brandy Miller 
 118 days ago
 
 
 Trustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google. Kate is the best. She helped me very quickly, and was very attentive with all of my needs. So thankful for her
  
 
     Posted on Google  
   Mike Greenspan 
 131 days ago
 
 
 Trustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google. Kate Carballo is a dedicated, passionate, and creative attorney whom I had the pleasure to lecture with at a state trial lawyer's conference. Kate's lecture demonstrated how she uses her innovative and "out-of-the-box thinking" to achieve outstanding results for her injured clients. That Kate is certified by the Supreme Court of New Jersey as a civil trial attorney is a testament to her skills, experience and commitment to excellence.
  
 
     Posted on Google  
   Jonathan Sampson 
 138 days ago
 
 
 Trustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google. Was referred to KGG law by a friend and could not have asked for better legal representation. They walked me through every step of the process after my accident and began every call with “ how are you feeling” which was just one example of how much they care about their clients. They handled my case very efficiently, professionally and courteously. My attorney Kate Carballo was a rock star! So clearly experienced, she consistently made me feel at ease with the process. Highly recommend
  
 
     Posted on Google  
   Vinnie Kung 
 141 days ago
 
 
 Trustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google. We had a great experience with the team at KGG Law. While it was a traumatic time for our family, they made it very easy for us and explained all of our options. They even performed due diligence to make sure that after our settlement, there would be no further issues which I think is even more important than the settlement itself. Thank you!
  
 
     Posted on Google  
   Lynn Gill 
 142 days ago
 
 
 Trustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google. The personnel at this business were second to none. Everyone was super responsive and amazing to work with. For any future legal needs, this will be my go-to, hands down.

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Can I Recover Lost Wages in a Personal Injury Lawsuit?

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Rockland County, New York

Bergen County, New Jersey