Detailed Answer
In Missouri, recovering lost wages after an accident requires clear proof of your income before and after the collision. Courts and insurers rely on objective records to calculate your earnings loss. Below are the primary documents you need to support a lost wage claim.
1. W-2 Forms
W-2 forms from your employer show your annual wages and taxes withheld. Provide W-2s for at least the past two to three years to establish consistent income patterns. These documents help confirm salary, overtime pay, bonuses and benefits.
2. Pay Stubs
Recent pay stubs offer a week-by-week or month-by-month breakdown of hours worked, hourly rates, overtime and deductions. Gather pay stubs from at least six months before the accident through the date you expect to return to work.
3. 1099 Forms and Tax Returns
If you work as an independent contractor, freelancer or gig-worker, submit all 1099-MISC or 1099-NEC forms. Support these with your federal income tax returns (Form 1040 plus Schedule C for self-employment). Missouri Supreme Court Rule 74.01(b)(3) permits discovery of tax returns when you claim wage loss. See Mo. S. Ct. Rule 74.01(b)(3): courts.mo.gov/Courts/SupremeCourt/Rules.
4. Employer Verification Letter
Request a signed letter on company letterhead that specifies:
- Your job title and duties
- Start date and full-time or part-time status
- Hourly wage or salary, including overtime and bonuses
- Hours you missed due to the accident and anticipated return date
5. Other Supporting Documents
- Bank statements or direct deposit records reflecting wage payments
- Timesheets or punch-card summaries
- Expert reports from vocational specialists or economists quantifying future earning capacity
Statutory Definition of Loss of Earnings
Under Missouri’s no-fault insurance law, “loss of earnings” means the “income actually lost” due to injury. See Mo. Rev. Stat. § 303.010(4): 303.010(4) RSMo. Although this provision governs auto-insurance benefits, personal injury claims use the same principle to calculate damages.
Helpful Hints
- Organize records chronologically—this speeds up claims reviews.
- Cross-check W-2 totals with year-end pay stub summaries.
- Keep digital and paper copies in a secure folder or cloud drive.
- Consult a certified public accountant if you have complex self-employment income.
- Consider a vocational expert if you anticipate long-term or permanent work limitations.
Disclaimer: This article is for educational purposes only and does not constitute legal advice. For guidance specific to your situation, consult a licensed Missouri attorney.