Lost Work As A Result Of A Baltimore Car Accident: Lost Wages Recovered?
Recovering Lost Wages After a Baltimore Car Accident
If you’ve lost work as the result of a Baltimore car accident, can lost wages be recovered? Recovering missed income is often an essential part of obtaining fair compensation. Maryland law allows victims to pursue economic damages, which include tangible financial losses, such as lost income. Attorney Eric T. Kirk, an experienced Baltimore personal injury lawyer, explains some ways in which Maryland law recognizes different types of lost wage claims and how they might apply in accident and personal injury cases.
Understanding Baltimore Personal Injury: Economic Damages
Maryland law broadly and generally categorizes damages into two primary types: economic damages and non-economic damages. Economic damages represent measurable financial losses—those that can be calculated with relative precision. Lost wages fall into this category, allowing Baltimore’s accident victims to recover the income they missed out on due to an injury.
Demystifying Baltimore Lost Wage Claims
- Straight Lost Wages: A straightforward lost wage claim arises when a medical professional determines that you are unable to work for a specific period. For example, a doctor might issue a disability slip stating that you cannot work for a week, a month, or longer due to your injuries. In this case, you are entitled to recover the total amount of income you would have earned during that time.
- Loss of Earning Capacity: In more complex cases, the injury may permanently affect your ability to earn at the same level as before the accident. For instance, you might recover enough to return to work but in a role with reduced responsibilities and pay. Maryland law allows you to seek compensation for this loss of earning capacity, covering the difference between your pre-accident income and your new, reduced earnings.
Attorney Eric T. Kirk will tell you.
You are entitled to be compensated for your lost wages.
TRANSCRIPT
You can absolutely recover lost wages as the result of a serious Baltimore motor vehicle accident. Maryland law recognizes two varieties or strains of damage, non-economic on the one hand, economic on the other. Lost wages would be an example of economic damages, something that you can pull out a calculator and easily add up what the amounts are. Now, a pure or a straight lost wage claim is where a doctor gives you a disability slip and says, “You can’t work for this week or this month.” There’s also another type of lost wage claim called a loss of earning capacity claim. Imagine a situation where someone is, after they recuperate, able to go back to work, but not in the same position, one where they’re making less money. The law also allows you to recover that difference between what you were making before the accident and what you’re able to make after the accident.
I hope this addressed your question. Over the course of 25 years, I’ve found that fully addressing a legal question is best handled in a one-on-one, in person strategy and case analysis conference. I offer these to potential clients on a complimentary basis. Please use any of the methods under the contact tab at the top of the page to arrange yours.
Why Legal Representation Matters
Lost wages can have a significant impact on your financial stability after a car accident. Maryland law provides pathways to recover both immediate income losses and long-term reductions in earning capacity. Proving lost wages or loss of earning capacity requires you to keep careful documentation, including medical records, pay stubs, tax returns, and expert testimony in some cases.
Perhaps not surprisingly, insurance companies may attempt to minimize these claims or dispute their validity. Having an experienced Baltimore personal injury attorney Eric T. Kirk to schedule a consultation and discuss your case may tip the balance. His practice is focused on helping you secure the full compensation you are entitled to.
ADDITIONAL BALTIMORE RESOURCES
Job Search Resources
- Maryland Workforce Exchange (MWE)
The Maryland Workforce Exchange is a free online platform that helps job seekers search for employment, create resumes, and connect with employers. Visit https://mwejobs.maryland.gov to get started. - Baltimore Workforce Development Centers
These centers provide job training, resume workshops, career counseling, and job placement services.- Northwest Career Center: 2401 Liberty Heights Ave.
- Eastside One-Stop Career Center: 3001 East Madison St.
- Mayor’s Office of Employment Development (MOED)
MOED offers programs for unemployed individuals, including youth employment initiatives, reentry services for returning citizens, and job readiness training. Visit https://moed.baltimorecity.gov. - Goodwill Industries of the Chesapeake
Goodwill provides employment services, training, and access to job opportunities. Their career centers in Baltimore are open to all job seekers. Learn more at https://www.goodwillches.org.
Educational and Vocational Training
- Baltimore City Community College (BCCC)
BCCC offers free and low-cost training programs in healthcare, IT, construction, and more, designed to help unemployed individuals gain in-demand skills. Visit https://www.bccc.edu. - Job Corps
A federal program offering free education and training for young people ages 16-24. The Woodland Job Corps Center in Maryland is a great option. Visit https://www.jobcorps.gov.
Financial Assistance and Benefits
Baltimore Department of Social Services
Assistance programs include Temporary Cash Assistance (TCA), Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP), and Medicaid. Visit a local office or https://dhs.maryland.gov.
Unemployment Insurance (UI)
Apply for unemployment benefits through the Maryland Division of Unemployment Insurance. Visit https://www.dllr.state.md.us/employment/unemployment.shtml.
1. Baltimore City Mayor’s Office of Employment Development (MOED)
The MOED offers comprehensive employment services to unemployed individuals. Their services include job placement, resume assistance, interview preparation, and job training programs.
- One-Stop Career Centers:
- Eastside One-Stop Career Center: 3001 East Madison Street, Baltimore, MD 21205
- Northwest One-Stop Career Center: Mondawmin Mall, 2401 Liberty Heights Avenue, Baltimore, MD 21215
- Services include access to job boards, workshops, and career counseling.
Website: https://moed.baltimorecity.gov
2. Maryland Department of Labor (DOL)
The Maryland DOL provides unemployment insurance benefits, workforce training programs, and job search assistance.
- Online Services: Maryland Workforce Exchange (MWE) is an online portal where job seekers can search for jobs, upload resumes, and connect with employers.
- Local Office: 1100 N. Eutaw Street, Baltimore, MD 21201
- Contact: (410) 767-2000
Website: https://www.dllr.state.md.us
3. Nonprofit Organizations
Several nonprofits in Baltimore assist unemployed individuals with job readiness, placement, and training:
- Center for Urban Families (CFUF)
- Focus: Workforce development, job placement, and career counseling.
- Address: 2201 N. Monroe Street, Baltimore, MD 21217
- Website: https://www.cfuf.org
- Goodwill Industries of the Chesapeake
- Offers job training and placement services.
- Address: 222 E. Redwood Street, Baltimore, MD 21202
- Website: https://www.goodwillches.org
4. Community Colleges and Vocational Training Programs
- Baltimore City Community College (BCCC)
- Offers workforce training and certification programs in various fields.
- Address: 2901 Liberty Heights Avenue, Baltimore, MD 21215
- Website: https://www.bccc.edu
- Job Corps
- Free educational and vocational training for young adults (ages 16–24).
- Website: https://www.jobcorps.gov
5. Temporary Staffing Agencies
Staffing agencies in Baltimore often provide temporary or permanent job placements. Some reputable agencies include:
- Aerotek: Specializes in various industries.
- Robert Half: Focuses on accounting, administrative, and IT positions.
- Randstad: Offers a range of job opportunities, from entry-level to specialized roles.
6. Community and Faith-Based Organizations
- Local churches and community organizations often have job support programs or partnerships with local employers.
- Examples include the Catholic Charities of Baltimore and the United Way of Central Maryland.
7. Public Libraries
Baltimore’s public libraries provide free access to job search tools, computers, resume workshops, and employment resources. Visit the Enoch Pratt Free Library, which offers job readiness programs.
8. Networking Opportunities
Job fairs and networking events in Baltimore are excellent for meeting employers and learning about job openings. Keep an eye on community boards, local news outlets, or event websites for announcements.
- Baltimore Personal Injury Trial Lawyer Eric T. Kirk
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A Baltimore car accident and personal injury litigator who has taken hundreds of cases to trial in Maryland, New York and Florida, recovering millions over a 30-year mission to obtain denied compensation for his clients.
