Lost Paycheck After a Binghamton Personal Injury? 

Your Money Shouldn’t Disappear Because of Someone Else’s Mistake 

You’re hurt. You’re out of work. The bills are stacking up, and it’s not even your fault. That’s not fair, and you shouldn’t have to deal with this alone. At Horn Wright, LLP, we get it—you’re stressed, frustrated, maybe even scared about what comes next. That’s why we’re proud to be recognized as one of the best law firms in America.  

Our Binghamton personal injury lawyers fight to make sure you get every dollar you deserve. Your paycheck shouldn’t vanish because of someone else’s mistake, and we’re here to help you get back on your feet. 

Your Bills Are Piling Up—How to Prove and Claim Your Lost Income 

Losing your income after an injury feels like getting hit twice. First, you’re dealing with the pain. Then, you’re watching your bank account drain while you’re stuck at home recovering. But there’s good news: you can get that lost income back. You just need the right proof. 

Here’s how to build a strong case for your lost wages: 

1. Show What You Were Making Before the Injury: 
2. Pay Stubs: These aren’t just pieces of paper. They show exactly what you were bringing home, including overtime and bonuses. If you made $1,200 a week before your accident, that’s $1,200 a week you should be fighting to recover. 
3. Tax Returns: These give a full picture of your yearly income, including commissions, bonuses, and other sources of pay. If you don’t have pay stubs, tax returns can fill in the gaps. 
4. Bank Statements: If your paychecks were deposited directly, these transactions serve as proof of your earnings. The more evidence, the stronger your claim. 
5. Get Medical Proof That You Can’t Work: 
6. Your doctor needs to put in writing that your injury keeps you from doing your job. A vague note won’t cut it. You need details—like “Patient is unable to stand for more than 15 minutes due to a fractured leg.” 
7. Medical tests (like MRIs and X-rays) back up your doctor’s assessment and show just how serious your injury really is. 
8. Have Your Employer Confirm Your Lost Pay: 
9. A simple letter from your boss can go a long way. It should say what you do, how much you make, and how long you’ve been out. If you were in line for a promotion or a raise, make sure they mention that too! 
10. Fill Out the Right Forms: 
11. In New York, employees need the NF-6 Employer Wage Verification Report to prove their lost wages. 
12. If you’re self-employed, the NF-7 Verification of Self-Employment form is key. You’ll also need client invoices and tax records to show what you should have been earning. 

Don’t Let Insurance Undervalue Your Pay—Get Compensation for Every Penny 

Insurance companies love to lowball injury victims. They’ll question your lost wages, downplay your injury, and push for a quick (and unfair) settlement. Don’t fall for it. Your income matters, and you deserve every penny. 

Here’s how to make sure you get full compensation: 

• Keep Every Record Possible: Emails, doctor’s notes, pay statements—keep it all. The more proof you have, the harder it is for insurance companies to dispute your claim. 
• Say No to Quick Settlements: Insurance companies often make a low offer right away, hoping you’ll take it out of desperation. Don’t. Injury victims who have legal representation receive settlements that are 3.5 times higher than those who don’t. 
• Let a Lawyer Handle Negotiations: You focus on healing—we’ll handle the insurance companies. Our personal injury lawyers know their tricks, and we won’t let them shortchange you. 

Bonuses, Career Growth, & Overtime—Yes, They Owe You for That Too 

Your lost income isn’t just about your base pay. It’s about every financial opportunity you missed because of your injury. 

You can claim compensation for: 

• Overtime Pay: If you usually worked an extra 10 hours a week at $30 per hour, that’s $300 per week missing from your paycheck. You deserve to get that back. 
• Bonuses: Maybe you were on track to hit a performance bonus before your injury knocked you out of work. If you typically received a $5,000 annual bonus, you can fight to recover the portion you lost. 
• Promotions: If you were up for a raise or a new position and your injury set you back, that’s lost future income. If the promotion would’ve added $10,000 to your salary, that’s money that should be included in your claim. 

Self-Employed? Business Owner? Don’t Let an Injury Take It All Away 

Running your own business doesn’t mean you can’t claim lost income. You just need the right proof. 

What you’ll need: 

• Tax Returns: Show your yearly income trends. 
• Invoices & Contracts: Prove your usual earnings and lost opportunities. 
• Profit & Loss Statements: Show how your business has suffered since your injury. 
• NF-7 Form: Essential for self-employed workers filing a lost wages claim. 

The Devastating Long-Term Cost of Lost Wages After an Injury 

The paycheck you’re missing now is just part of the picture. Long-term, your injury could cost you way more than you realize. 

Think about: 

• Reduced Earning Potential: If you can’t return to your old job or industry, your future income could take a permanent hit. 
• Job Retraining Costs: If you have to switch careers, you may need new training or certifications. 
• Ongoing Medical Bills: Physical therapy, medication, or surgeries can stretch out for years, eating into your finances. 

The Fight for Your Financial Future Starts Now—Don’t Settle for Less! 

Losing your income after an injury is overwhelming, but you don’t have to face it alone. At Horn Wright, LLP, our injury lawyers are here to make sure you get every dollar you’re owed. Don’t let an insurance company or at-fault party decide your financial future.  

Contact our Binghamton law office today, and let’s fight for what’s rightfully yours.