Lost Wages And Earning Capacity Calculator
Educational estimate only. Use verified records and policy documents for real claim valuation.
Need A Deeper Estimate?
Use the full calculator below for expanded inputs and a more detailed range breakdown.
Car Accident Payout Calculator
Fill in what you know. Leave blank what you don't. Results update automatically.
Your estimate will appear here
Fill in the fields on the left and click Calculate to see your low, mid, and high settlement range with a full breakdown.
Your Estimated Settlement Range
Based on your inputs — illustrative estimate only
How This Was Calculated
| Medical Expenses (Current) | $0 |
| Future Medical Expenses | $0 |
| Lost Wages | $0 |
| Future Lost Income | $0 |
| Property Damage | $0 |
| Economic Damages Subtotal | $0 |
| Pain & Suffering (Low est.) | $0 |
| Pain & Suffering (High est.) | $0 |
| Surgery Uplift Applied | + |
| Permanent Injury Uplift | + |
| Fault Reduction Applied | — |
| Policy Limit Cap Applied | $0 |
Want a professional evaluation of your specific case?
Get a Free Case ReviewLost Wages Settlement Calculator
Estimate wage-loss impact from missed work and reduced future earning capacity.
How Lost Wages Are Calculated in a Settlement
Lost wages in a car accident settlement include all documented income you missed because of the crash injuries: missed workdays, reduced hours, used sick or PTO leave, lost commissions, lost bonuses, and self-employment income reductions. Unlike pain and suffering, lost wages are economic damages that require specific documentation to be credible in a settlement demand.
Future lost wages — also called lost earning capacity — apply when the injury permanently reduces your ability to work at your pre-accident level. These are calculated using your pre-accident wage, projected career trajectory, and the expected duration of the limitation. A vocational expert or economist is typically needed to support large future wage claims.
Documentation Needed for Lost Wage Claims
- Employer letter confirming dates missed and rate of pay (hourly or salary)
- Pay stubs showing pre-accident earnings
- Tax returns for the prior 2 years (especially for self-employed claimants)
- Medical records with work-restriction notes from treating physicians
- Documentation of used PTO, sick leave, or FMLA leave tied to the injury
- For future earning capacity: vocational evaluation and economic expert report
Example: Lost Wage Calculation
| Item | Amount |
|---|---|
| Hourly wage | $28/hour |
| Hours/week | 40 hours |
| Weeks missed | 8 weeks |
| Total lost wages | $8,960 |
Related Calculators And Guides
- Car Accident Settlement Calculator
- Pain And Suffering Calculator
- State Settlement Guides
- Injury Settlement Guides
- Accident Type Settlement Guides
- Policy Limits Settlement Calculator
- Comparative Fault Settlement Calculator
Frequently Asked Questions
How accurate is this calculator?
This calculator provides an educational range, not a guaranteed payout. Final value depends on evidence quality, liability, treatment records, and available coverage.
What inputs matter most?
Medical treatment documentation, lost income evidence, fault percentage, and policy limits usually drive the largest estimate swings.
Does state law change the result?
Yes. Comparative fault rules, no-fault thresholds, damages caps, and deadlines can materially change potential recovery.
Should I use this before accepting an offer?
Yes. Compare insurer offers against your documented damages and coverage limits before deciding whether to settle.
Can I use this without a lawyer?
Yes for planning, but serious injuries or disputed liability cases usually benefit from legal review before final decisions.