The best way to calculate lost wages depends on factors such as pay rate, pay structure, and predictability of income. For example: • If you work a set schedule or make a specific salary, receiving the same amount on every paycheck, you can add up the usual value of the days missed.
• If you have to use your accrued PTO, you can add up the value of those hours.
• If you are paid hourly and work a fluctuating schedule, you can add up your income from the weeks or months before the accident and find the average to calculate a fair estimate of the time you lost.
• If your income changes based on busy or slow seasons, you can use past income you received during similar time periods or the average income trends for your industry while you are out of work.
• If you receive bonuses or commissions, you can estimate those losses based on your past income, average earnings for your position in your industry, or the bonuses and commissions made by your coworkers.