Disclaimer: This article is for educational purposes and does not constitute legal advice.
Detailed Answer
After an accident in Wyoming, you can seek compensation for lost wages under W.S. § 1-1-109, which allows recovery for income lost due to personal injury. To prove the amount you lost, submit clear records showing your earnings before and after the accident.
1. W-2 Forms: Provide W-2s for the last two years to establish your baseline annual income.
2. Pay Stubs: Include pay stubs covering at least three to six months before and after the accident date. These show gross wages, hours worked, overtime, bonuses, commissions and deductions.
3. 1099 Forms: If you are an independent contractor or freelancer, submit 1099-MISC or 1099-NEC forms for the relevant years to document non-employee compensation.
4. Tax Returns and Schedules: Include federal income tax returns (Form 1040) and Schedule C (if self-employed) for the past two years. Tax returns verify reported income and business expenses that affect net profit.
5. Employer Certification: Obtain a wage verification letter from your employer stating your job title, pay rate, typical hours worked, missed hours due to the accident and any paid leave used.
6. Business Records (Self-Employed): Supply profit and loss statements, invoices, bank statements and receipts to show gross receipts and net profits.
7. Additional Documentation: Include evidence of bonuses, shift differentials or commissions you would have earned and any sick leave or disability benefits that offset lost wages.
Organize all documents chronologically and create a summary chart of weekly wage losses. If litigation arises, be prepared to produce these records under the Wyoming Rules of Civil Procedure and Rules of Evidence.
Helpful Hints
- Gather W-2s for the past two years to confirm average earnings.
- Collect pay stubs covering at least three months before and after the accident.
- For contractors, include all relevant 1099s and associated invoices.
- Request a written wage verification letter from your employer.
- Prepare a spreadsheet detailing weekly or monthly wage losses.
- Keep copies of tax returns and bank statements if self-employed.
- Document any missed bonuses or commissions.
- Preserve all emails and communications with your employer regarding time off.
- Meet court deadlines for producing records in a Wyoming civil case.