Missing work after a car accident can throw your finances into chaos, especially if you rely on overtime pay to make ends meet. You may wonder if you can recover lost overtime wages as part of your claim. In many cases, you can, but proving it requires the right documentation and approach.
How lost overtime pay is calculated
Overtime pay can form a significant part of a worker’s earnings. If your injuries stop you from working extra hours, you may recover that lost income. The calculation depends on your work history, pay structure, and the number of overtime hours you typically worked before the accident. Pay stubs, tax returns, and employer records help establish a pattern of overtime earnings.
Proving lost overtime in a claim
Insurance companies often challenge overtime claims, arguing that extra hours do not count as guaranteed income. To strengthen your case, gather solid evidence. A letter from your employer confirming your past overtime hours, along with pay records, helps prove your claim. If you worked regular overtime before the accident, showing a consistent history makes it harder for insurers to deny your loss.
Challenges in recovering lost overtime
Insurers might claim that overtime earnings are unpredictable and should not be included in wage recovery. They might claim that even if you had not suffered injuries, you would not have worked the extra hours. Medical records linking your injuries to your inability to work overtime play a key role. A strong case includes proof that your injuries prevented extra work and that you had a history of earning overtime.
Maximizing your lost income claim
To recover the full amount of lost wages, including overtime, keep detailed records of your earnings and medical restrictions. The more evidence you provide, the stronger your claim. Acting quickly and gathering documentation increases your chances of recovering the income lost due to the accident.