Detailed Answer
Under Missouri law, you must present clear documentation to prove lost earnings in any claim—whether it arises from a car accident, slip and fall or a workplace injury. Courts and insurance companies treat lost wages as “special damages,” meaning you must show specific, objective records that quantify your financial loss.
1. Employment Records
- Pay stubs: Collect consecutive stubs covering the period before and after your injury or incident.
- W-2 forms: Provide W-2s from the year of injury and, if needed, the prior year to establish your regular income.
- Employment verification: Obtain a written statement from your employer confirming your job title, hire date, salary/hourly rate, scheduled hours and any paid leave used.
- Timecards or timesheets: Show your actual hours worked if you clock in and out or track time manually.
2. Tax Records
- Tax returns: Submit personal and, if applicable, business tax returns (e.g., Schedule C) for the past one to three years to verify self-employment income or consistent earnings trends.
- 1099s: Include any 1099 forms if you perform contract work or receive freelance income.
3. Financial and Banking Documents
- Bank statements: Highlight deposits that reflect regular payroll or business revenue.
- Accounting ledgers: For business owners, provide profit and loss statements, invoices and expense logs that demonstrate net income.
4. Medical Records and Employer Communications
- Doctor’s notes: Correlate your injury or illness with periods of work absence or restricted duty. This helps tie your lost wages directly to the incident.
- Employer correspondence: Include emails or letters regarding return-to-work dates, light-duty assignments or leave approvals.
5. Statutory Reference for Workers’ Compensation
If you file a workers’ compensation claim, Missouri law defines weekly benefits based on your average weekly wage. See RSMo § 287.120 for the method of calculating average earnings.
Disclaimer: This article provides general information under Missouri law and does not constitute legal advice. Always consult an attorney for advice specific to your situation.
Helpful Hints
- Organize records chronologically in a folder or digital file for easy reference.
- Highlight relevant entries on pay stubs and bank statements before submitting them.
- Ask your employer for an official payroll history if pay stubs are unavailable.
- Use a certified public accountant’s summary if you have complex self-employment finances.
- Keep a daily log of missed work hours, symptoms and communications with your supervisor.
- Review your insurance policy or workers’ comp handbook to understand deadline requirements.