Lost Wages in a Arizona Personal Injury Claim
If an injury caused by another party's negligence forced you out of work in Arizona, you can recover lost wages and future earning capacity as part of your claim. Here is exactly how to document, calculate, and recover your income losses.
For informational purposes only. Not legal advice. Consult a licensed attorney.
Pure comparative fault
Fault System
2 years
Filing Deadline
At-Fault
Auto System
What Lost Wages You Can Recover in Arizona
Past Lost Wages
All income you lost from the date of the accident through settlement or verdict — including salary, hourly wages, tips, commissions, bonuses, and self-employment income.
Future Lost Earnings
If your injury causes permanent or long-term disability affecting your ability to work, you can recover the present value of future income losses. Expert economic testimony is typically required.
Lost Business Income
Self-employed individuals and business owners can claim documented lost profits caused by their inability to work.
Benefits & PTO Used
Sick days, vacation days, and other benefits consumed due to your injury may be recoverable as lost wages.
No-Fault vs At-Fault in Arizona
Arizona Injury Law
Arizona is a pure comparative fault state, permitting injured plaintiffs to recover compensation no matter their degree of fault. Damages are simply reduced in proportion to the plaintiff's assigned fault percentage. Arizona does not mandate no-fault personal injury protection, so claims flow through traditional at-fault liability channels. The statute of limitations is 2 years under A.R.S. § 12-542. Arizona courts see a high volume of auto accident, slip-and-fall, and construction-related injury cases given the state's rapid population growth. Claims against government agencies require a 180-day notice of claim under A.R.S. § 12-821.01, with a separate 1-year lawsuit deadline. Arizona places no general statutory cap on compensatory damages, though medical malpractice noneconomic damage caps have been challenged and struck down by state courts. Punitive damages require proof by clear and convincing evidence of evil intent or conscious disregard for others.