Disclaimer: This article is for educational purposes only and does not constitute legal advice. For guidance tailored to your situation, contact a qualified attorney.
Detailed Answer
After an accident in Oklahoma, you may recover compensation for lost wages under state law. Oklahoma law defines recoverable damages for personal injuries to include “pecuniary losses” such as lost income. See Okla. Stat. tit. 23 § 61. To prove your lost wage claim, you must document earnings before and after the injury. Below are the most common records insurers and courts request.
1. Pay Stubs
Submit pay stubs for at least one year before the accident and any issued after it. Pay stubs show your gross pay, net pay, hours worked, overtime, bonuses and deductions. They establish your regular earnings and help calculate the exact amount of income you lost.
2. W-2 Forms
Provide W-2 forms for the past two to three tax years. W-2s verify annual wages, federal and state withholdings, and year-to-date income. These forms help confirm whether your pre-accident earnings match the amounts claimed.
3. 1099 Forms (Independent Contractors and Self-Employed)
If you work as an independent contractor or run a business, submit all relevant 1099-NEC or 1099-MISC forms for the last two to three years. These forms show nonemployee compensation you received and help establish a baseline for your self-employment income.
4. Tax Returns and Schedules
Complete federal (Form 1040) and state tax returns, including Schedule C or Schedule E if applicable, for the last two to three years. Tax returns support your gross income claims and reveal any business expenses that affect net income.
5. Employer Verification Letter
Ask your employer to provide a signed letter confirming: employment status, hire date, pay rate, anticipated work hours, overtime eligibility and any raises or promotions. Employer verification bolsters the credibility of your lost wage calculation.
6. Paid Time Off and Benefit Records
If you used sick leave, vacation days or other paid time off (PTO) instead of unpaid leave, submit PTO records. Some employers track leave balances, accrual rates and usage; these documents show how much paid leave you accessed instead of claiming lost wages.
7. Bank Statements
Provide bank statements for the period around your accident. They show direct deposits from your employer or clients. Bank records corroborate pay stub and tax return information.
8. Schedule of Missed Work
Create a detailed timeline of days and hours you missed due to medical appointments, therapy or reduced work capacity. This schedule helps calculate precise wage losses and links absences to your injury.
By gathering these documents, you build a clear record of pre-accident earnings and actual income loss. Proper documentation strengthens your claim, speeds up negotiations and reduces disputes over the amount you lost.
Helpful Hints
- Start collecting records immediately after your accident to avoid gaps.
- Keep digital and paper copies of all documents.
- Ask your employer’s HR or payroll department for official statements.
- If you’re self-employed, maintain detailed income and expense logs.
- Consult with a lawyer early to ensure you include all relevant records.
- Organize documents chronologically for easy review.
- Review your records with an accountant or financial advisor if your income is complex.