When calculating lifetime wage loss in Joliet catastrophic injury cases, we consider multiple factors. Our team assesses your reduced earning capacity due to injuries.
At Charlie Therman Injury & Accident Lawyers, P.C., you will work with professionals who understand the importance of accurately determining your lifetime wage loss. Our Joliet catastrophic injury lawyer considers your individual circumstances to provide a thorough evaluation of your financial situation.
What is Lifetime Wage Loss?
Lifetime wage loss in a Joliet catastrophic injury case refers to the income you lose over the course of your remaining working years due to an injury that prevents you from returning to your previous job or earning the same wages.
In catastrophic injury cases such as brain trauma, spinal cord damage, severe burns, or amputations, the impact is often permanent. Victims may never regain the ability to work full-time or at all.
We calculate this loss not just based on what you earned before the accident, but also on what you would have earned if the injury had never occurred.
How Do Joliet Attorneys Calculate Lifetime Wage Loss?
The process involves several steps, each tailored to your unique situation. We typically look at:
- Pre–injury income and benefits: Your average wages before the injury, including overtime, bonuses, and benefits, serve as the starting point.
- Post–injury earning capacity: If you can return to work but must take a lower-paying or part-time job, we measure the difference between your old income and your new income.
- Work–life expectancy: Economists and vocational experts estimate how many years you likely would have worked based on your age, career, and health.
- Inflation and wage growth: Future wages are adjusted for expected raises, cost-of-living increases, and promotions.
- Discounting to present value: Since future wages are paid out over time, the total must be discounted to reflect what that money is worth in today’s dollars.
What Evidence Helps Prove Lifetime Wage Loss in Joliet Catastrophic Injury Cases?
A strong lifetime wage loss calculation in your Joliet catastrophic injury case depends on documentation and expert analysis. Some of the evidence we use includes:
- Tax returns and pay stubs to show your pre-injury income
- Employment history and performance records demonstrating career trajectory
- Statements from employers confirming job duties and lost opportunities
- Medical records and physician statements detailing work limitations
- Vocational assessments to evaluate your ability to perform other types of work
- Expert economic reports calculating the projected financial impact
Our team handles the evidence collection process so you can focus on your recovery. If you don’t have access to all these records, we can request them on your behalf.
Can I Still Recover Wage Loss if I’m Self-Employed or Work Hourly Jobs?
Yes. Many people in Joliet are self-employed, contractors, or hourly workers who don’t have consistent paychecks. We can still calculate wage loss using:
- Bank deposits and invoices
- Work contracts and client lists
- Tax filings
- Testimony from clients or business partners
We understand how hard our clients work to provide for their families. Even if your income fluctuated, we’ll build a realistic picture of your lost earning capacity.
What If I Was Earning Cash or Didn’t File Taxes?
This situation is common, especially for construction or service workers. It may complicate your claim, but it doesn’t end it. We can use alternative evidence, such as co-worker statements, work schedules, or records of past employers, to show your regular earnings.
Our firm has over 75 years of combined experience handling these cases and knows how to present them effectively to insurance companies and in court.
How Do Medical Conditions Affect Lifetime Wage Loss Calculations in Joliet?
The severity and permanence of your medical condition are central to determining wage loss. Catastrophic injuries like paralysis, brain injuries, or multiple fractures can end a career entirely. Others, such as chronic pain or limited mobility, may reduce your ability to perform certain jobs.
That’s why our team works closely with your medical providers and independent specialists. We help define your functional limitations, which form the basis for your vocational expert’s assessment. We also have relationships with medical providers who treat patients on liens, meaning you can get care even if you don’t have health insurance.
Can I Claim Wage Loss if I Receive Disability Benefits?
Yes. While disability benefits can provide temporary relief, they typically don’t replace your full income or account for long-term losses.
In a personal injury case, you can seek compensation for the total lifetime wage loss, reduced by any amounts already paid through disability programs, so you aren’t left struggling financially.
Does Age Matter in Lifetime Wage Loss Calculations?
Absolutely; younger workers often face greater financial losses because they have more years left in the workforce. For example, a 30-year-old who can no longer perform manual labor after a construction accident may lose 30–35 years of income potential.
Older workers, on the other hand, may face smaller totals but still qualify for significant compensation depending on their situation and projected work-life expectancy.
What Role Does an Attorney Play in Proving Lifetime Wage Loss?
Calculating lifetime wage loss is complex and often challenged by insurance companies. Insurers typically argue that victims can return to work sooner or in different roles to minimize payouts.
When you Choose Charlie, you get a legal team that knows how to push back. Founding attorney Charlie Therman previously worked on the insurance side with Allstate, giving him unique insight into how insurers think, negotiate, and value claims.
We use that knowledge to anticipate their tactics, counter their arguments with data, and fight for the full compensation you’re entitled to.
Learn How Lifetime Wage Loss is Calculated in a Joliet Catastrophic Injury Case
We understand that no longer being able to work can put a financial strain on your life. But our team is here to help you calculate your lifetime wage loss in your Joliet catastrophic injury case. At Charlie Therman Injury & Accident Lawyers, P.C., our team will assess your situation to provide a detailed analysis of your case.
Contact us today for a free consultation.
