In New Hampshire, a lost-wage claim seeks compensation for income you missed while recovering from an injury or illness. You must show clear documentation of earnings before and after the incident. Gathering complete and accurate records allows an attorney to build a strong case and helps the court or insurer verify your loss.
Detailed Answer
To support a lost-wage claim in New Hampshire, you need records that prove your earnings history, your inability to work, and your employer’s policies. Key documents include:
- Pay Stubs and Wage Statements. Provide pay stubs covering at least one year before your injury and all pay statements during recovery. These detail your regular wages, overtime, and bonuses.
- W-2 Forms and Tax Returns. Federal W-2 forms and state or federal tax returns establish your annual income. They confirm self-employment earnings or variable compensation.
- Employer Records. A letter or affidavit from your employer should confirm hire date, job title, hourly or salary rate, and average weekly hours. Timecards or electronic timesheets help verify exact hours you worked.
- Work Schedules and Shift Logs. Copies of schedules, shift assignments, or project logs show hours you would have worked but missed due to your condition.
- Physician’s Notes and Medical Records. A doctor’s statement must link your injury or illness to time away from work. This supports your claim under New Hampshire’s workers’ compensation law, RSA 281-A, which governs wage replacement benefits. See RSA 281-A:2 for definitions and RSA 281-A:42 for filing deadlines.
- Benefit Statements. If you used paid sick leave, vacation, or short-term disability, include statements showing benefit balances and any payments received.
- Self-Employment Records. For independent contractors, provide invoices, bank deposits, 1099 forms, profit-and-loss statements, and ledgers reflecting your earnings.
Organize these documents chronologically and provide copies, not originals. Accurate records speed evaluation and negotiation. Your attorney will use them to calculate your average weekly wage and total lost earnings.
Helpful Hints
- Request all pay stubs and W-2s from past employers if you lack copies.
- Keep digital and paper copies of medical and wage records in a secure folder.
- Track communication with your employer about your leave and return-to-work dates.
- Review your employer’s leave policies to confirm paid-time-off usage.
- Contact a local attorney early to identify additional documents specific to your case.
Disclaimer: This article is for educational purposes and does not constitute legal advice. Always consult a qualified attorney to discuss your specific situation.