A serious injury can change how much money you earn for the rest of your life. You might heal from your injuries, but still lose the ability to do the job you once had or any job at all. When that happens, Massachusetts law allows you to seek compensation for that future loss. This is called lost earning capacity and it plays a big role in personal injury claims.
What counts as lost earning capacity
Lost earning capacity isn’t the same as lost wages. Lost wages cover the paychecks you missed while you recovered. Lost earning capacity looks further ahead. It asks how the injury affects your ability to work and earn money for years or even decades. For example, if you are a construction worker and can no longer lift heavy materials, you may need a new career path. That career change often means lower pay, and Massachusetts law lets you seek compensation for that gap.
How experts calculate the loss
Calculating this number takes more than guesswork. Attorneys often bring in vocational experts and economists to build a clear picture. These experts look at your age, education, job skills and health before the injury. They compare that to your abilities now. Then they estimate how much less you’ll likely earn over your working life. They also factor in inflation, benefits and how long you would have probably worked if the injury never happened. Medical records and testimony from doctors help support these numbers, too.
Why talking to an attorney can help
Figuring out lost earning capacity involves many moving parts, and the process can feel overwhelming when you’re also focused on recovery. Talking to an attorney familiar with Massachusetts injury claims may help. They can gather the right records, work with qualified experts and explain what your case might realistically be worth. You don’t have to sort through all of this alone or guess at what fair compensation looks like.