What Happens if You Cannot Return to Work After a North Carolina Motorcycle Crash?

Motorcycle accidents can have a catastrophic emotional, physical, and financial impact on a victim. While victims hope that they can return to work as soon as their injuries heal, they may have to come to the devastating realization that there are severe injuries that will prevent them from going back to their job. In some cases, victims of motorcycle accidents become disabled and are no longer able to pursue gainful employment.

You may be entitled to damages if you were injured in a North Carolina motorcycle accident caused by another person or company's negligence. You can pursue compensation through an insurance claim or personal injury lawsuit against the at-fault party or parties for damages for your financial losses. If you are unable to work because of your injuries, your financial recovery may include compensation or lasting impairments from the accident.

In North Carolina, personal injury victims can seek compensation for their future earning capacity loss. This category of damages compensates victims were the loss of their ability to earn income in the future. The loss of future earning capacity differs from the loss of future earnings. The loss of future earnings measures the actual earnings the victim will lose in the future. The loss of future earning capacity requires the victim to prove that his injuries make it impossible for them to return to work.

Placing a dollar sign value on your loss of future earning potential can be challenging. The value of your loss of future earning potential damages is determined by the difference between your earning capacity before and after your accident. For example, if you earned $100,000 before your accident and now you cannot work because of your injuries, the value of your loss of future earnings potential would be $100,000 per year. There is a lot that goes into determining a fair monetary figure. Several factors can affect the amount of damages you can recover, including the following:

• Your work experience and skills
• Your past earnings
• Whether you are able to train for new jobs or careers
• The severity of your injuries
• Statistical data on how long you will live

Medical evidence in the form of expert testimony is crucial in determining the value of your loss of future earning capacity. Your doctors will assess your prognosis, evaluate your injuries, and assign you an impairment rating. The impairment rating describes the degree of your physical impairment in relation to normal bodily functions. The reading can be used to determine the physical consequences of your disability or impairment.

Vocational experts are also important. A vocational expert can convey the specific ways in which your impairment impacts you in a workplace setting. Vocational experts can offer testimony on work that you can or cannot perform because of your permanent motorcycle accident injuries. The testimony provided by vocational experts gives juries valuable guidance for awarding damages.

You may also benefit from the expert testimony of a vocational or financial expert. An economist can provide proof of the quantity of your potential lost earnings over the years. They can determine the types of bonuses and other employment benefits you may lose out on in addition to your base salary.

Loss of future earning capacity is only one of the multiple types of damages you can recover after a North Carolina motorcycle accident lawsuit. Other damages may include compensation for the following:

• All accident-related medical expenses, including the cost of future medical care
• Lost wages and benefits
• Property damage
• Physical pain and suffering
• Mental and emotional distress
• Scarring or disfigurement
• Disability
• Reduced quality of life
• Loss of enjoyment of life

If you are wondering how much your case is worth, the best thing you can do is discuss your case with an attorney. An attorney can give you an estimate regarding your case has value. As your case progresses, you can work with financial experts to determine all of your damages more accurately.

Have you or your loved one been seriously injured in a North Carolina motorcycle accident? If so, the attorneys at Arnold & Smith, PLLC, are here to help. Contact our North Carolina personal injury law firm today to schedule a free case evaluation. You only have a limited amount of time to file a claim.