Detailed Answer

Disclaimer: This article is for general information only and does not constitute legal advice. Consult an attorney for guidance specific to your situation.

If you miss work after a car accident in Ohio, you can seek compensation for the wages you lost. Ohio law lets injured parties recover economic damages, including lost earnings, as part of a personal injury claim. You must prove the amount and reason for your lost wages. Follow these steps to build your claim:

1. Identify Your Lost Wage Period

Start by determining the dates you could not work due to accident-related injuries. Include any days you left early, arrived late, or took additional breaks because of pain or medical appointments.

2. Gather Employment Records

• Pay stubs for the 6–12 months before and after the accident
• W-2 forms or Form 1099 (for independent contractors)
• Timesheets, punch cards, or digital clock-in/out logs
• A letter from your employer confirming your hourly rate, typical schedule, and missed hours

Use these records to calculate your average weekly earnings. For example, if you earned $12 per hour and worked 15 hours a week, multiply 15 by your hourly rate.

3. Calculate Total Lost Wages

Total Lost Wages = (Average hours per week × Hourly rate) × Number of weeks missed.

If you performed overtime or earned bonuses, include documentation showing those amounts. For part-time workers, courts focus on actual lost earnings, not full earning capacity.

4. Support Your Figures with Medical Records

Link your lost-wage period to your injuries by submitting medical records, doctor’s notes, and physical therapy logs. These demonstrate that you could not perform your duties during that time.

5. Prepare for Evidentiary Requirements

Under Ohio’s Rules of Evidence, business records are admissible under the hearsay exception. See Ohio Rev. Code §2305.10 (limiting personal injury actions to two years). Keep originals or certified copies of all documents. If you must file a lawsuit, you must do so within two years of your accident.

6. Present Your Claim to Insurer or Court

Submit your documentation and calculations to the insurance adjuster or court. Include a cover letter summarizing your lost-wage claim, attach your math work, and keep copies of everything you send.

Helpful Hints

• Keep a work diary logging daily symptoms and work limitations.
• Ask your supervisor to confirm absences in writing.
• Retain emails or texts that reference missed shifts or reduced hours.
• Use clear, chronological exhibits (e.g., Exhibit A: pay stubs; Exhibit B: doctor’s notes).
• Consult an attorney early if the insurer disputes your lost-wage amount.

By collecting precise records and linking them to your medical treatment, you strengthen your lost-wage claim. Acting promptly and keeping detailed evidence ensures you preserve your right to recover these damages under Ohio law.