Lost Wages in a Louisiana Personal Injury Claim
If an injury caused by another party's negligence forced you out of work in Louisiana, 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
1 years
Filing Deadline
At-Fault
Auto System
What Lost Wages You Can Recover in Louisiana
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 Louisiana
Louisiana Injury Law
Louisiana operates under a civil law legal tradition unique in the United States, derived from the Napoleonic Code rather than English common law. Despite this heritage, Louisiana personal injury law largely parallels other states in practice. Louisiana applies pure comparative fault, allowing plaintiffs to recover regardless of their fault percentage. The 1-year prescriptive period (statute of limitations equivalent) is among the shortest in the nation and is strictly enforced. Louisiana does not require no-fault PIP insurance. The state's oil and gas industry, maritime activity along the Gulf Coast, and unique legal quirks create specialized personal injury claims. Jones Act and general maritime law govern offshore worker injuries. Louisiana courts have historically produced significant jury verdicts, particularly in New Orleans. Workers' compensation is administered by the Office of Workers' Compensation Administration. Louisiana limits punitive damages to specific statutory circumstances, such as DUI-caused accidents under La. Rev. Stat. § 13:3203.