How Are Lost Wages Calculated After an Accident in Maryland?

 Posted on December 25, 2025 in Personal Injury

In December 2025, Maryland personal injury claims still allow recovery for lost income when it can be shown that the accident caused time away from work. Lost wages in a Maryland accident claim are based on the income you missed in the time your injuries kept you from working, and this needs to be supported by clear documentation. The calculation depends on how you are paid and how the injury affected your ability to earn. If you have questions, our Riverdale Park, MD personal injury lawyer can help explain how Maryland law handles these claims and what you may be able to recover.

What Do Lost Wages Mean in a Maryland Accident Claim?

Lost wages refer to the income you did not earn because your injuries prevented you from working. This can include missed days, reduced hours, or time spent attending medical appointments related to the accident. Maryland law allows injured people to seek compensation for these losses as part of a personal injury claim.

When Can I Claim Lost Wages After an Accident in Maryland?

You can usually claim lost wages if your injuries required you to miss work or limited your ability to perform your job. This applies whether the time off was ordered by a doctor or was reasonably necessary due to pain or mobility limits. Lost wage claims are often tied to medical records. These records help show that your time away from work was related to the injury, not a personal choice.

How Are Lost Wages Calculated for Salaried Employees?

Salaried employees usually calculate lost wages based on their daily or weekly rate of pay. The total loss depends on how much time was missed.

For example, if you earn a set salary and miss two weeks of work, lost wages are often based on that two-week portion of your salary. Documentation from your employer helps confirm the time missed and your normal pay rate. Under Maryland Courts and Judicial Proceedings Article § 10-108, wage records and employer statements are commonly used as evidence to support income loss claims.

What if I Used Sick Time or Vacation Days After a Personal Injury in Maryland?

Using sick leave or vacation time does not always cancel a lost wage claim. Even if you were paid through earned time off, you still lost those benefits because of the accident and wouldn’t be able to use them if you need them later. In many cases, lost wage claims can still reflect the value of that time. The goal is to account for what you lost, not just what your paycheck shows.

Can Self-Employed Workers Recover Lost Wages in Maryland?

Self-employed workers can recover lost wages, but the process can be more complex. These workers often have variable income, which requires additional documentation. Lost wages may be based on past earnings, contracts, or business records. Tax returns, invoices, and profit-and-loss statements are commonly reviewed to show income before and after the accident. The focus is on showing how the injury reduced your ability to earn.

How Long Can Lost Wages Be Claimed for an Injury Claim?

Lost wages can include the time you missed work while recovering from your injuries. This may cover full days, partial days, or reduced hours if you were unable to work at your normal level. In some cases, a claim may also include future lost income when injuries make it harder to return to the same job or earn the same pay. These claims are often supported by medical records, work restrictions, and your employment history.

Why Timing Matters for Lost Wage Claims in Maryland

Lost wage claims are subject to the same deadlines as other personal injury damages. Under Maryland Courts and Judicial Proceedings Article § 5-101, most personal injury claims must be filed within three years of the accident date. Waiting too long can make it harder to gather records or prove missed income. Taking steps early helps preserve evidence and supports a clearer claim.

Schedule a Free Consultation With Our Hyattsville, MD Personal Injury Attorney

Attorney Jason Kisner has more than 10 years of legal experience. He has built strong working relationships with local judges and insurance companies, which helps move cases forward efficiently. He is known for telling clients the truth, whether the news is good or bad, so they can make informed decisions. If you have questions about lost wages after an accident, call Kisner Law at 240-459-0097 to schedule a free consultation with our experienced Riverdale Park, MD personal injury lawyer.