Detailed Answer
After an accident in Connecticut, you may recover compensation for lost wages under state tort law and, if applicable, workers’ compensation statutes. To prove your lost wage claim, you must document your earnings before and after the incident. Below is a breakdown of the records you need.
1. Records for Employees
- W-2 Forms: These show annual wages and tax withholdings for prior years. They establish your baseline earnings.
- Pay Stubs: Recent pay stubs confirm your salary or hourly rate, hours worked, overtime, deductions, and net pay.
- Employer Verification Letter: A signed statement from HR verifying your job title, hire date, pay rate, typical hours, and dates you missed due to the accident.
- Tax Returns: Federal tax returns corroborate W-2 data and may reflect bonuses, commissions, or other income streams.
2. Records for Self-Employed or Independent Contractors
- 1099 Forms: Show income paid to you by clients. Forms 1099-MISC or 1099-NEC cover most contract work.
- Profit & Loss Statements: A year-to-date P&L helps calculate lost business income for periods you could not work.
- Bank Statements: Support deposits and ongoing business expenses tied to your earnings.
- Tax Returns: Schedules C and SE on your federal return reflect net profit from self-employment.
3. Connecticut Statutes on Lost Wage Recovery
Under Connecticut law, you can recover past and future lost earnings as part of compensatory damages. See Conn. Gen. Stat. § 52-183, which defines recoverable damages for personal injury. If the accident occurred at work, workers’ compensation may apply. See Conn. Gen. Stat. § 31-308 for wage benefit calculations.
Disclaimer: This article is for educational purposes only and does not constitute legal advice. Consult a qualified attorney to discuss your specific situation.
Helpful Hints
- Organize documents chronologically to show continuous earnings history.
- Keep copies of every pay stub and 1099 you receive.
- Request a written statement from your employer as soon as possible.
- Include evidence of lost benefits (health insurance premiums, retirement contributions).
- Consider hiring an accountant to prepare clear profit-and-loss statements if you’re self-employed.
- Review all documents for accuracy before submitting them to insurers or attorneys.