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Many people who are involved in an accident and sustain injuries are unable to work as a result of those injuries. Without being able to work, many people wonder what they are going to do and how they are going pay their bills or put food on their table, which only adds insult to injury. Fortunately, there may be options available to reimburse injured people for lost wages.
Ultimately, the insurance carrier of the person at-fault for causing the accident is responsible for paying you lost wages as part of the injury claim, up to the limits available on the policy. However, the at-fault insurance carrier does not pay lost wages while you are out of work and losing the wages. The insurance carrier pays the lost wages as part of a lump sum settlement of the injury claim once you are done treating and already returned to work. So what options may be available to you to receive some income while out of work and recovering from your injuries?
The first option to seek compensation for wages is to review your own personal motor vehicle insurance policy. Under every insurance policy, there is optional coverage for wage loss benefits. These benefits are paid to you in lieu of your regular income when you are missing work because of injuries you sustained in an accident. Insurance companies provide several coverage options to choose from, so you’ll want to research which option best applies to your situation. Since wage loss benefits is an optional coverage and an additional expense on your premium, be sure to discuss this coverage with your insurance agent or adjuster before adding it to your policy.
Another source to seek compensation for wages while you are out of work is through a disability plan. This can be in the form of short-term or long-term disability through your employer or through personal disability insurance that you have paid for on your own, such as a plan through Aflac. You should be aware that some disability plans require to be reimbursed for wages paid to you, once your injury claim against the at-fault driver and his or her insurance carrier has concluded. Be sure to notify your attorney if you receive wage loss benefits through a disability plan.
Wondering how to receive reimbursement for the wages that you are losing through no fault of your own? Contact the Pennsylvania personal injury attorneys at Metzger Wickersham to discuss the options that may be available to you.
