Disclaimer: This article does not provide legal advice. For guidance specific to your situation, consult a licensed attorney in Connecticut.
Detailed Answer
When you file a lost-wage claim after an injury or accident in Connecticut, you must prove both the amount of income you’ve lost and the causal link between your injury and your missed work. Gathering comprehensive, well-organized records strengthens your position.
1. Earnings Records
- Recent pay stubs showing hours worked, regular pay rate, overtime, bonuses and deductions.
- W-2 forms or 1099s for the previous one to two years to establish baseline earnings.
- Tax returns (federal and state) for at least the past two years.
2. Employer Verification
- An employer’s statement on company letterhead confirming your job title, hire date, work schedule, pay rate and anticipated future earnings.
- Time sheets or electronic timekeeping reports verifying hours worked before and after the injury.
3. Medical Documentation
- Physician notes or treatment plans clearly stating how your injury prevents you from working full time or at all.
- Work restrictions, return-to-work notes, or certificates of disability.
4. Bank Statements and Invoices
- Bank or payroll deposit records showing when pay stopped or decreased.
- Invoices or receipts for job-related services if you are self-employed (e.g., contractor invoices).
5. Contract and Benefit Documentation
- Your employment contract or offer letter specifying salary, commission structure or wage guarantees.
- Records of sick leave, vacation accruals, short-term disability and any wage-replacement benefits claimed.
Statutory Basis
Under Connecticut law, damages for lost wages fall under the general measure of damages: loss of earning capacity. See Conn. Gen. Stat. § 52-139 (link). For workplace injuries, wage-loss benefits are governed by the Workers’ Compensation Act, Conn. Gen. Stat. § 31-275 (link).
Helpful Hints
- Organize records chronologically to show a clear before-and-after picture of your earnings.
- Request certified or notarized copies of employer statements where possible.
- Keep digital backups and printouts in case original documents are lost or damaged.
- Track out-of-pocket expenses related to medical treatment and transportation.
- Consider maintaining a daily journal of your capacity to work and any related symptoms.