If you start a personal injury claim in hopes of receiving compensation for your losses, it may be helpful to learn which damages qualify for this kind of payment. When working, you may use paid time off or sick hours when you have doctor’s appointments or want to focus on healing after your injury. However, when you use these earned hours, you could theoretically run out of them when you need them again. Can you possibly receive compensation for paid time off and sick days during your personal injury claim?
You can receive compensation for paid time off and sick hours, as they constitute a portion of your wages and could impact your financial situation later. If you want more information about what damages qualify for compensation in your claims or you need assistance with your case, the personal injury lawyers from Mintz Law Firm can help. We have a track record of bringing success to our clients. Please don’t hesitate to connect with our team with any questions you have about your personal injury case.
Are PTO or Sick Days Included in Your Compensation?
When you use PTO or sick hours while healing from an injury that occurred due to no fault of your own, worrying about maintaining financial stability is likely on your mind. PTO and sick time qualify as part of your wages in your employment agreement, so these damages often qualify for compensation in the claims process.
We encourage you to keep track of what days you take off due to your accident, as this may be helpful while estimating the compensatory value of your case. Maintaining your financial stability during challenging times, including the time during the healing process, is of the utmost importance. If you want assistance with your case, please don’t hesitate to contact one of our lawyers today.
What Other Damages Qualify for Payment?
Aside from paid time off and sick days, several other damages commonly qualify for compensation during personal injury claims. The following losses will likely be eligible for this kind of payment:
- Attorney fees
- Medical bills, including
- Visits to medical facilities
- Physical or occupational therapies
- Ambulance use
- Mental health services
- Future treatments and care
- Loss of wages
- Change in wage-earning potential
- Wrongful death
- Loss of consortium or companionship
- Pain and suffering
- Property damage
- Scarring and disfigurement
- Loss of enjoyment of life
- Emotional distress
Other damages may also qualify for compensation based on your circumstances. Your attorney can help you discover other eligible losses, estimate the value of your case, and increase the compensation you qualify for.
How Can a Lawyer Help With Your Personal Injury Claims?
Whenever you are involved in legal matters, it’s best to work with a lawyer for assistance. In cases where you suffer severe injuries due to another person’s negligence, a personal injury lawyer can be an invaluable addition to your team. Your attorney can help you in several ways, including speaking on your behalf, completing and filing paperwork, leveling the playing field against other parties, and much more.
We suggest you refrain from representing yourself during this time, as you may accidentally misrepresent yourself. Working with an attorney can ensure you are represented as fairly and favorably as possible. The personal injury lawyers from Mintz Law Firm would be proud to support you during this difficult time.
Frequently Asked Questions About PTO, Sick Days, and Personal Injury Compensation in Colorado
Can I be compensated for sick days or PTO I used after a car accident that wasn’t my fault?
Yes. When you use earned PTO or sick time because of an injury someone else caused, that time is generally treated as part of your economic damages. You gave up benefits you had already earned, so the value of that time off can typically be included in your personal injury claim.
How do I prove that I lost PTO or sick days because of my injury?
Keep a written record of every day you took off that was connected to your injury, and ask your medical provider for documentation supporting the time away from work. Pay stubs or a statement from your employer showing your hourly or salary rate can help your attorney calculate the value of the time you used.
Does it matter that my employer still paid me while I was using PTO?
Not necessarily. Even though your paycheck did not change, you lost the future use of benefits you had already earned. Many courts recognize this as a real financial loss, separate from whether your regular income was interrupted.
What if the insurance company argues I didn’t lose any wages because I used paid leave?
Insurance adjusters often raise this argument to reduce a claim’s value. A personal injury attorney can respond with documentation of the days used and an explanation of why used PTO and sick time represent a genuine loss, regardless of how your employer processed your pay.
Besides PTO and sick days, what other financial losses might be part of my personal injury claim?
Depending on your situation, your claim may also include medical bills, future treatment costs, loss of earning capacity, property damage, and pain and suffering. An attorney can review your specific circumstances to identify every category of loss that may apply.
Injured in Colorado? Personal Injury Lawyers From Mintz Law Firm Can Help
If you have been in an accident or dangerous incident in Colorado, the personal injury lawyers from Mintz Law Firm can provide valuable assistance. When you are not responsible for your injuries, the liable parties deserve to be held accountable for their negligent actions. Victims and survivors trust us to bring them positive legal results during difficult times, and we will work hard to do the same for you.
Contact our team at your earliest convenience for legal assistance. When you retain our services, we will schedule a free consultation with one of our attorneys. You can connect with us when you call (303) 462-2999 or complete the contact form on our website.