Can I sue for lost income if a defect caused me to miss work?

Yes, you can potentially sue for lost income if a defect caused you to miss work. Here’s what you need to know:

Legal Options for Seeking Compensation

1. Product Liability Claims:
   • If you were injured due to a defective product, you may pursue a product liability claim against the manufacturer or seller. This claim can include compensation for lost wages resulting from your injury.
2. Negligence Claims:
   • If the injury was caused by the manufacturer's negligence (e.g., failure to ensure product safety), you might also pursue a negligence claim to recover damages, including lost income.
3. Breach of Warranty Claims:
   • If the product failed to perform as promised and caused you harm, you may have a claim based on breach of warranty, which can include compensation for lost income.

Evidence Required

To support your claim for lost income, you'll typically need to provide:

1. Medical Records:
   • Documentation of your injury and any treatments received, showing how the injury affected your ability to work.
2. Proof of Lost Wages:
   • Pay stubs, tax returns, or employment contracts to demonstrate your income before the injury and the time missed from work.
3. Employer Documentation:
   • A letter from your employer confirming your absence due to the injury, including details about your position, salary, and the duration of missed work.
4. Expert Testimony (if applicable):
   • In some cases, an expert may be needed to explain the impact of your injury on your ability to work.

Example

If a consumer suffers an injury due to a defective power tool and is unable to work for two weeks:

1. They can file a product liability claim against the manufacturer for the injury and include a request for lost wages.
2. They would need to gather medical records, proof of income, and a letter from their employer detailing the time off work.
3. If the claim is successful, they may be compensated for the wages lost during their recovery period.

By understanding your legal options and gathering the necessary evidence, you can effectively seek compensation for lost income due to a defective product.