If you have suffered an injury in Florida, you may be entitled to recover lost wages as part
of your personal injury claim. Lost wages are not limited to your base salary—they can also
include overtime, tips, self-employment income, and even future earnings if your injury
affects your ability to work.
**Proving Overtime and Bonus Income**
You should gather pay stubs, timesheets, and employer statements to show your regular
overtime or bonus earnings. Consistent work history and documentation are crucial to
demonstrate what you would have earned if not for the injury.
**Documenting Tips and Gratuities**
If you rely on tips, keep detailed records such as tip logs, bank deposits, and tax returns.
These documents help establish your average tip income and support your claim for lost earnings.
**Self-Employment and Gig Worker Income**
For self-employed individuals or gig workers, tax returns, business records, invoices, and
client correspondence are essential. You may also need to provide profit and loss statements
to show your typical earnings before the injury.
**Calculating Future Earnings Loss**
If your injury impacts your long-term ability to work, you may claim future lost earnings.
This often requires expert testimony from vocational or economic experts who can project your
future losses based on your career path, age, and injury severity.
**Key Evidence Needed**
– Pay stubs and timesheets
– Tax returns (W-2s, 1099s, business filings)
– Tip records and bank statements
– Employer or client letters
– Expert reports for future losses
You should act quickly to preserve evidence and consult with an attorney experienced in
Florida personal injury law. Our firm can help you gather the right documentation and present
a strong claim for all your lost wage components.
Disclaimer: This content is for informational purposes only and does not constitute legal advice, and laws and
legal interpretations may change after the date of publication.
Written by:
Gil Sánchez, Esq.
CEO | Civil Trial Attorney
Black Rock Trial Lawyers
Abogados Law
