Truck accidents in the Norfolk and Virginia Beach areas can cause devastating injuries that leave victims unable to work for months or longer while they recover. If you had to use your sick or vacation time due to injuries sustained in a truck collision caused by a negligent trucker, you may be entitled to recover your paid time off (PTO). You are more likely to obtain all the PTO you deserve if you retain an experienced truck accident lawyer to settle your claim with the insurance company.
When Can You Recover PTO in Your Truck Crash Settlement?
If you suffered injuries in a truck wreck, you might be able to recover compensation for your injuries from the negligent trucker and trucking company under Virginia law. As part of your wage loss claim, you can ask to be reimbursed for the paid time off you had to use while you were recovering from your injuries. Here are situations where you may be entitled to PTO compensation:
- Hospitalizations
- Recovery time at home
- Doctor appointments
- Calls and meetings with the insurance company
- Court hearings
- Appointments with your lawyer
How Do You Document the PTO You Took Due to Your Truck Collision Injuries?
You must prove your right to recover your PTO as part of your settlement with the insurance company. A knowledgeable truck accident lawyer can explain when you can recover your paid time off and help obtain the evidence you need to document the time you took off work. Documentation can include the following:
Letter From Your Employer
A letter from your boss listing your salary and the PTO you took while recovering from your injuries can help you prove your right to reimbursement of your PTO. If your case is decided at a jury trial, your employer may need to testify about the paid time off you took.
Employee Handbooks and Policies
Your employee handbook may outline how PTO is accrued and how it can be used. This documentation can help support your PTO claim.
Records of Any Appointments
If you had to take time off work for medical appointments, meetings with the insurance company or lawyer, or court hearings, you should keep records of these appointments. This documentation can help establish that you took time off work because of your injuries and not for other reasons, such as a vacation or a doctor’s appointment for a non-related medical condition.