Although it may not be one of the most ethical things for an employer to fire you if you are injured in a car crash, it happens. It's especially common in instances where you suffer such significant injuries that you're going to need to be out of work for longer than the sick time that you've accrued or for which you are covered under the Family and Medical Leave Act (FMLA).
If you happen to be let go from your job because your injuries preclude you from carrying out your everyday duties, then you may be able to make a claim for special damages that include wages you lost because of injuries you suffered in your car accident.
General damages can be claimed for any loss of future earnings. In determining future earnings, a jury will weigh whether your ability to earn what you did previously was adversely impacted by the accident.
In order to be able to document that your injuries impacted your ability to attend work, and substantiates your receiving lost wages, you'll need to submit several documents to the other party's insurance company. Examples include chart notes from your treating physician as well as medical records showing how the severity of your injuries.
You also will need to provide a letter of discharge from your employer to establish that you were let go due to the injuries you suffered. You'll need to provide documentation of the income you were previously making as well.
How much you'll be able to recover in lost and future wages varies depending on the jurisdiction where your case was filed. In some cases, there are pre-established limits that may cap the total damages for which you can be reimbursed.
To make sure that you make the best choices in potential settlement negotiations with an insurance company, learn about your right to be reimbursed for lost wages.
Source: FindLaw, "Can I sue for a lost job due to a car accident?," accessed Dec. 22, 2017
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