Lost Wages in a Ohio Personal Injury Claim
If an injury caused by another party's negligence forced you out of work in Ohio, 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.
Modified comparative fault (51% bar)
Fault System
2 years
Filing Deadline
At-Fault
Auto System
What Lost Wages You Can Recover in Ohio
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 Ohio
Ohio Injury Law
Ohio applies modified comparative fault with a 51% bar. The 2-year statute of limitations applies to most personal injury claims. Ohio does not require no-fault PIP insurance. Ohio's manufacturing heritage and dense industrial base create significant product liability and workplace injury litigation. Cleveland, Columbus, and Cincinnati courts handle substantial personal injury caseloads. Ohio has no general cap on noneconomic compensatory damages for most personal injury cases, though medical malpractice noneconomic damages are capped at $250,000 or three times economic damages, up to $350,000 per plaintiff, under Ohio Rev. Code § 2323.43. Ohio caps punitive damages at 2 times compensatory damages under Ohio Rev. Code § 2315.21, with a maximum of $350,000 for small defendants. Ohio courts follow Daubert standards for expert testimony. Workers' compensation in Ohio is administered through the Bureau of Workers' Compensation. Ohio's political scene has seen ongoing tort reform debates affecting various damage caps and procedural rules.