If you are an independent contractor for another entity, you may have an easier time than other self-employed individuals. If you receive an IRS Form 1099 from the entity for whom you work, this may be used to verify the wages you have earned in past years. However, if your work is prone to seasonal fluctuations, it may not provide enough information to convey your financial impact for the time of year in question.
If you cannot use tax returns, documents like invoices and receipts for work you did last year or over the past several years can show what your typical earnings look like. If this year was going to be different– perhaps you landed a breakthrough contract that was set to improve your business– your personal injury attorney will look at the available information like signed estimates and contracts to demonstrate this.
Letters from people or businesses you have worked for can provide evidence of your workload, wages, and what you missed because of the injury. Copies of your past calendars can also help show your work trends.
Doctors’ notes, bills, and reports are useful for verifying the extent and cause of your injury, as well as how long medical professionals expect it to impact your ability to work. Ideally, you will have returned to work before you settle your case or go to trial. If you have not yet returned, medical reports will be crucial in proving how long you will be unable to earn a living.
