If you’ve been injured in a car accident in Arizona, one of the many challenges you might face is losing income because you’re unable to work. Whether it’s due to time spent recovering, attending medical appointments, or dealing with long-term disabilities, lost wages can add significant financial strain to an already difficult situation. The good news is that Arizona law allows you to recover lost wages if another party’s negligence caused your injuries. This includes not only straightforward wage losses but also more complex claims for self-employed individuals or those with fluctuating incomes.
If you find yourself in this situation, hiring an experienced Arizona car accident lawyer like Garrick McFadden of GAMESQ, PLC can make all the difference. Garrick’s legal experience, combined with his Master’s in Business Taxation, uniquely positions him to handle even the most complex wage loss claims, ensuring you receive the compensation you deserve.
Arizona Law on Recovering Lost Wages
Under Arizona law, car accident victims are entitled to recover damages for lost wages as part of a personal injury claim. This right is grounded in the principle of compensatory damages, which aim to make the injured party “whole” by covering all losses directly resulting from the accident.
The Arizona Revised Statutes (A.R.S.) § 12-542 provides the framework for personal injury claims, while case law establishes that lost wages are a recoverable form of damages. Additionally, courts have consistently ruled that injured parties can claim not just their base salary or hourly wages but also bonuses, commissions, overtime pay, and even lost benefits like sick or vacation days used during recovery.
For example:
- If you earn $20 per hour and miss 40 hours of work due to your injuries, your lost wages would amount to $800.
- If you regularly earn bonuses or overtime pay, these amounts can also be included in your claim.
What About Self-Employed Individuals or Those with Fluctuating Incomes?
Recovering lost wages becomes more complicated if you’re self-employed or work in a profession where income varies significantly—such as barbers, nail technicians, hairstylists, or small business owners. In these cases, proving your lost earnings requires detailed financial documentation and often expert analysis.
This is where Garrick McFadden’s unique qualifications come into play. With a Master’s in Business Taxation from USC and years of experience handling personal injury cases, Garrick has the financial acumen needed to analyze your earnings data and present it clearly and effectively. He can help you gather evidence such as:
- Profit and loss statements
- Tax returns
- Bank statements
- Client contracts or invoices
- Testimony from clients or colleagues about missed opportunities
By presenting this information in a clear and compelling way, Garrick can help prove the full extent of your wage loss—even if your income is fluid or complex.
How Are Lost Wages Proven?
To recover lost wages after a car accident in Arizona, you’ll need to provide evidence that demonstrates:
- Your Pre-Accident Income: Pay stubs, tax returns, W-2 forms, or other documentation showing your regular earnings.
- Time Missed from Work: A letter from your employer verifying the days or hours you were unable to work due to your injuries.
- Injury-Related Limitations: Medical records and doctor’s notes linking your inability to work directly to the injuries sustained in the accident.
For self-employed individuals or those with irregular incomes, additional documentation—such as profit and loss statements or comparisons of pre- and post-accident earnings—may be required.
What About Long-Term Impacts on Your Earning Capacity?
In addition to claiming lost wages for time already missed from work, you may also be entitled to compensation for diminished earning capacity if your injuries affect your ability to work in the future. For example:
- A hairstylist who suffers a hand injury may no longer be able to perform their job at full capacity.
- A small business owner who relies on physical labor may need to hire additional help, reducing their income.
Proving diminished earning capacity often requires expert testimony and detailed financial analysis. Garrick McFadden has the skills and experience needed to build a strong case for these types of claims.
Why Hiring Garrick McFadden Is Crucial
While it’s possible to file a wage loss claim on your own, insurance companies are notorious for disputing these claims—especially when they involve complex calculations or self-employment income. Adjusters may argue that:
- Your injuries didn’t prevent you from working.
- The amount of income claimed is exaggerated.
- Your documentation isn’t sufficient.
Garrick McFadden understands these tactics and knows how to counter them effectively. As one of fewer than ten Arizona trucking accident lawyers who graduated from a top 20 law school (USC Gould School of Law), Garrick combines exceptional legal expertise with a deep understanding of financial matters. He will:
- Thoroughly evaluate your case during a free consultation.
- Gather all necessary evidence to prove your wage loss.
- Present your financial data clearly and persuasively—to both insurance companies and juries if necessary.
- Negotiate aggressively on your behalf to secure maximum compensation.
What If You Don’t Have Documentation?
If you lack traditional documentation like pay stubs or tax returns (e.g., if you’re paid in cash), Garrick can still help build a strong case by using alternative forms of evidence such as:
- Witness testimony
- Bank deposit records
- Estimates based on industry standards
Don’t let a lack of documentation prevent you from pursuing the compensation you deserve.
Take Action Today
If you’ve missed work due to injuries sustained in a car accident caused by someone else’s negligence, don’t wait to seek legal help. Recovering lost wages can be a complex process—especially if your earnings are irregular—but with the right attorney by your side, it’s possible to secure fair compensation.
Contact Garrick McFadden at GAMESQ, PLC today for a free consultation. With his unique combination of legal expertise and financial knowledge, Garrick will fight tirelessly for your rights and ensure that every aspect of your wage loss is accounted for.
At GAMESQ: Your injuries are our fight—and your win is our mission.