If you’ve been hurt in an accident in Connecticut, lost income can quickly become one of your biggest financial concerns. Medical bills, ongoing recovery, and time away from work can create an overwhelming burden. Fortunately, personal injury law in Connecticut allows victims to seek compensation for lost wages—both past and future—when someone else’s negligence caused the injury. But how much you can actually recoup depends on several factors.

What Counts as Lost Wages in Connecticut?

Lost wages go beyond your regular paycheck. In a Connecticut personal injury case, compensation for lost earnings may include:

• Hourly or salary income you missed due to injury-related absences
• Overtime pay you would have reasonably earned
• Bonuses and commissions you likely would have received
• Tips and gratuities if you work in a service position
• Sick leave or vacation days you were forced to use
• Self-employment income supported by past earnings and client history

The goal is to restore you to the financial position you would have been in if the accident had not happened.

Proving Lost Wages in a Connecticut Personal Injury Claim

Insurance companies and courts require clear proof of lost income before awarding compensation. This evidence may include:

Employer Statements

A written letter from your employer can outline your job title, pay rate, typical hours, and the specific days you missed due to the injury.

Pay Stubs and Tax Returns

Past pay stubs and W-2 forms demonstrate your normal earnings before the accident, while tax returns can help verify income—especially for self-employed individuals.

Medical Documentation

Doctors’ notes linking your injury to your inability to work strengthen your claim and help establish the length of time you were or will be out of work.

Without this documentation, insurers may dispute your claim or offer less than you are entitled to.

Recovering Future Lost Wages and Loss of Earning Capacity

If your injuries affect your ability to work long-term, you may also recover compensation for future lost income or loss of earning capacity.

• Future Lost Wages: Applies when you are expected to return to work eventually, but need significant recovery time.
• Loss of Earning Capacity: Applies when your injury permanently limits the type or amount of work you can do.

For example, if a construction worker suffers a back injury that prevents them from lifting heavy materials, they may have to take a lower-paying job in a different field. An economist or vocational expert can calculate these losses based on your age, career trajectory, and industry earning trends.

Partial vs. Total Disability and Wage Recovery

In Connecticut, your wage loss recovery will depend on whether your injury caused a partial disability (you can work but not at full capacity) or a total disability (you cannot work at all).

• Temporary Partial Disability: You might receive partial lost wages if you return to a reduced role or fewer hours.
• Temporary Total Disability: If you cannot work at all during recovery, you may be entitled to full wage loss during that time.
• Permanent Impairment: May lead to compensation for reduced lifetime earnings.

How Connecticut’s Comparative Negligence Rule Affects Lost Wage Claims

Connecticut follows a modified comparative negligence rule. This means your compensation—including lost wages—can be reduced if you are found partially at fault for the accident.

For example:

• If you are awarded $40,000 in lost wages but found 25% at fault, your recovery will be reduced to $30,000.
• If you are more than 50% at fault, you cannot recover damages at all.

The Role of Insurance in Recovering Lost Wages

Lost wage recovery may come from:

• The at-fault party’s liability insurance in cases like car accidents or premises liability
• Your own auto insurance policy under personal injury protection (PIP) or medical payments coverage
• Workers’ compensation insurance if the injury happened at work

Each source has its own rules and limits, making it important to identify all potential coverage early in your case.

Statute of Limitations for Lost Wage Claims in CT

In Connecticut, the statute of limitations for most personal injury claims is two years from the date of the injury. Missing this deadline typically means losing your right to seek compensation, including for lost wages.

Why Legal Representation Can Increase Your Lost Wage Recovery

Calculating lost wages can be straightforward for short-term absences but becomes complex when future losses, self-employment, or partial disability are involved. A personal injury lawyer can:

• Gather and present strong wage documentation
• Work with experts to project future losses
• Negotiate with insurers to avoid undervaluation
• Ensure deadlines are met so your claim remains valid

Without legal guidance, you risk accepting less than you are entitled to or missing out on future wage recovery.

Conclusion

Lost wages are often one of the most significant financial impacts after a personal injury in Connecticut. The amount you can recoup depends on how well you document your losses, whether you have a partial or total disability, and how future earning potential is calculated. With the right legal strategy and supporting evidence, you can pursue compensation that fully reflects both your immediate and long-term financial setbacks.

Need Legal Help? Brandon J. Broderick, Attorney at Law is One Phone Call Away

Navigating Connecticut Personal Injury claims can be challenging. Fortunately, you don't need to do it alone. The experienced personal injury lawyers at Brandon J. Broderick, Attorney at Law, are available 24/7 to help you understand your legal options, gather necessary evidence, and build a strong case to secure the settlement you deserve.

Contact us now for a free legal review.