Disclaimer: This article provides general information on New Hampshire law and does not constitute legal advice. Consult a qualified attorney for advice on your specific situation.
Detailed Answer
1. Gather Pre-Accident Income Records
Collect all documents that show your normal earnings and hours worked before the crash. These may include:
- Pay stubs or direct-deposit statements
- W-2 forms or 1099s for the past year
- Daily or weekly timesheets
- Tax returns reflecting part-time income
2. Document Post-Accident Missed Hours
Show exactly how many hours you lost due to injury and recovery. You can use:
- A doctor’s work-restriction notes
- Shift schedules with crossed-out shifts
- A log or diary of missed work days
3. Calculate Your Lost Earnings
Multiply your regular hourly rate by the number of missed hours. If your rate varied, use the average hourly rate from the three months before your accident. Include any tips, bonuses or commissions if your part-time role paid them regularly.
4. Prepare Supporting Evidence
Strengthen your claim with:
- An employer’s letter confirming your schedule and earnings
- Emails or text messages requesting time off
- Bank statements showing lost deposits
5. Reference New Hampshire’s Measure of Damages
Under New Hampshire Revised Statutes Annotated section 507:2, you can recover actual lost wages incurred from personal injury. For details, see NH RSA 507:2.
Helpful Hints
- Save all correspondence with your employer about missed shifts.
- Keep a written log of pain levels to connect your condition to missed work.
- Ask a coworker or supervisor to verify your regular schedule in writing.
- Retain medical records showing treatment dates and restrictions.
- Consider a vocational expert if your injuries affect your future earning capacity.