{"id":109753,"date":"2026-03-31T04:44:59","date_gmt":"2026-03-31T04:44:59","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/dklaw.com\/?post_type=resources&#038;p=109753"},"modified":"2026-04-03T18:30:40","modified_gmt":"2026-04-03T18:30:40","slug":"lost-wages-calculator","status":"publish","type":"resources","link":"https:\/\/dklaw.com\/ko\/resources\/lost-wages-calculator\/","title":{"rendered":"How to Calculate Lost Wages After an Injury"},"content":{"rendered":"<div class=\"dklaw-section dklaw-hero dklaw-hero__blog align wp-block-dklaw-hero-blog has-background has-primary-beige-background-color\"><div class=\"acf-innerblocks-container\">\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-columns is-layout-flex wp-container-core-columns-is-layout-9d6595d7 wp-block-columns-is-layout-flex\">\n<div class=\"wp-block-column is-layout-flow wp-block-column-is-layout-flow\" style=\"flex-basis:40%\"><div class=\"dklaw-breadcrumbs align wp-block-dklaw-breadcrumbs\"><a href=\"https:\/\/dklaw.com\">Home<\/a><a href=\"https:\/\/dklaw.com\/ko\/resources\/lost-wages-calculator\/\" class=\"current\">How to Calculate Lost Wages After an Injury<\/a><script type=\"application\/ld+json\">\n\t{\n\t  \"@context\": \"https:\/\/schema.org\",\n\t  \"@type\": \"BreadcrumbList\",\n\t  \"itemListElement\": [\n\t\t  {\n\t\t\t\t\"@type\": \"ListItem\",\n\t\t\t\t\"position\": 1,\n\t\t\t\t\"name\": \"Home\",\n\t\t\t\t\"item\" : \"https:\/\/dklaw.com\"\n\t\t\t},{\n\t\t\t\t\"@type\": \"ListItem\",\n\t\t\t\t\"position\": 2,\n\t\t\t\t\"name\": \"How to Calculate Lost Wages After an Injury\",\n\t\t\t\t\"item\" : \"https:\/\/dklaw.com\/ko\/resources\/lost-wages-calculator\/\"\n\t\t\t}\n\t  ]\n\t}\n\t<\/script><\/div>\n\n\n<h1 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Lost Wages Calculator<\/h1>\n\n\n\n<p>Lost wages after an accident go beyond missed paychecks \u2013 our free calculator helps you estimate the financial impact on your claim.<\/p>\n\n\n<div class=\"dklaw-hero__blog-meta align wp-block-dklaw-hero-blog-meta\"><div class=\"acf-innerblocks-container\">\n<div class=\"dklaw-taxonomies align wp-block-dklaw-taxonomies\"><\/div>\n\n\n<p class=\"has-primary-gray-color has-text-color\">Reading Time: 10 Minutes<\/p>\n\n<\/div><span>March 31, 2026<\/span><span>Daniel Kim<\/span><\/div><\/div>\n\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-column is-layout-flow wp-block-column-is-layout-flow\">\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image size-large\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"1024\" height=\"683\" src=\"https:\/\/dklaw.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/03\/lost-wages-calculator-hero-1-1024x683.jpg\" alt=\"Lost Wages Calculator, DK Law\" class=\"wp-image-109797\" srcset=\"https:\/\/dklaw.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/03\/lost-wages-calculator-hero-1-1024x683.jpg 1024w, https:\/\/dklaw.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/03\/lost-wages-calculator-hero-1-300x200.jpg 300w, https:\/\/dklaw.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/03\/lost-wages-calculator-hero-1-768x512.jpg 768w, https:\/\/dklaw.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/03\/lost-wages-calculator-hero-1-18x12.jpg 18w, https:\/\/dklaw.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/03\/lost-wages-calculator-hero-1.jpg 1206w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 1024px) 100vw, 1024px\" \/><\/figure>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n\n<\/div><\/div>\n\n<div class=\"dklaw-section dklaw-toc alignfull wp-block-dklaw-toc\"><div class=\"acf-innerblocks-container\">\n<div class=\"dklaw-toc__sidebar align wp-block-dklaw-toc-sidebar\"><div class=\"dklaw-toc__sidebar-menu\"><h4 class=\"dklaw-toc__sidebar-toggle\">Jump To<\/h4><ul><\/ul><\/div><div class=\"acf-innerblocks-container\">\n<div class=\"dklaw-card align wp-block-dklaw-card has-background has-primary-black-background-color\"><div class=\"acf-innerblocks-container\">\n\n<h4 class=\"wp-block-heading has-primary-white-color has-text-color\">Every 4 minutes.<\/h4>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"has-primary-white-color has-text-color\">On average, every 4 minutes someone picks up the phone and calls us for help. That kind of trust says everything.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-button is-style-button-phone\"><a class=\"wp-block-button__link has-primary-yellow-background-color has-background wp-element-button\" href=\"tel:7147903562\">714-790-3562<\/a><\/div>\n\n<\/div><\/div>\n<\/div><\/div>\n\n<div class=\"dklaw-toc__blocks align wp-block-dklaw-toc-blocks\"><div class=\"acf-innerblocks-container\">\n<div class=\"dklaw-toc__block align wp-block-dklaw-toc-block\"><div class=\"acf-innerblocks-container\">\n\n<!DOCTYPE html>\n<html lang=\"en\">\n<head>\n<meta charset=\"UTF-8\">\n<meta name=\"viewport\" content=\"width=device-width, initial-scale=1.0\">\n<title>Lost Wages Calculator<\/title>\n<link rel=\"preconnect\" href=\"https:\/\/fonts.googleapis.com\">\n<link href=\"https:\/\/fonts.googleapis.com\/css2?family=Poppins:ital,wght@0,300;0,400;0,500;0,600;0,700;1,400&#038;display=swap\" rel=\"stylesheet\">\n<style>\n  *, *::before, *::after { box-sizing: border-box; margin: 0; padding: 0; }\n\n  .calc-wrapper,\n  .calc-wrapper * {\n    box-sizing: border-box !important;\n  }\n\n  .calc-wrapper input[type=\"number\"] {\n    border: 1.5px solid var(--border) !important;\n    box-shadow: none !important;\n    outline: none !important;\n    -webkit-appearance: none !important;\n    appearance: none !important;\n    margin: 0 !important;\n  }\n\n  .calc-wrapper a,\n  .calc-wrapper a:link,\n  .calc-wrapper a:visited,\n  .calc-wrapper a:hover,\n  .calc-wrapper a:active {\n    color: var(--white) !important;\n    text-decoration: none !important;\n  }\n\n  :root {\n    --primary: #131314;\n    --primary-mid: #1e1e20;\n    --primary-light: #2a2a2d;\n    --green: #134435;\n    --green-bright: #37FF87;\n    --green-muted: #2db86a;\n    --green-glow: rgba(55, 255, 135, 0.12);\n    --gold: #EEB226;\n    --gold-light: #FFF495;\n    --blue: #08368B;\n    --blue-light: #00E5FF;\n    --white: #ffffff;\n    --bg-light: #EFEFEF;\n    --bg-warm: #F5F3ED;\n    --text-dark: #131314;\n    --text-mid: #4a4a4e;\n    --text-light: #7a7a82;\n    --border: #d4d4d8;\n    --border-light: #e4e4e7;\n    --radius: 10px;\n    --shadow: 0 1px 3px rgba(19,19,20,0.06), 0 4px 12px rgba(19,19,20,0.04);\n    --shadow-lg: 0 4px 12px rgba(19,19,20,0.08), 0 12px 32px rgba(19,19,20,0.06);\n  }\n\n  body {\n    color: var(--text-dark);\n    line-height: 1.5;\n    -webkit-font-smoothing: antialiased;\n  }\n\n  .calc-wrapper {\n    max-width: 560px;\n    margin: 32px auto;\n    padding: 0 16px;\n  }\n\n  \/* NEW: whole calculator becomes one card + one scroll area *\/\n  .calc-card {\n    border: 1px solid var(--border-light);\n    border-radius: var(--radius);\n    box-shadow: var(--shadow-lg);\n    overflow-y: auto;\n    overflow-x: hidden;\n    max-height: min(88vh, 900px);\n    background: var(--white);\n    -webkit-overflow-scrolling: touch;\n  }\n\n  .calc-card::-webkit-scrollbar {\n    width: 8px;\n  }\n\n  .calc-card::-webkit-scrollbar-thumb {\n    background: rgba(0,0,0,0.14);\n    border-radius: 999px;\n  }\n\n  .calc-card::-webkit-scrollbar-track {\n    background: transparent;\n  }\n\n  \/* \u2500\u2500 Result banner (top) \u2500\u2500 *\/\n  .result-banner {\n    background: var(--primary);\n    padding: 28px 32px 24px;\n    text-align: center;\n    position: sticky;\n    top: 0;\n    z-index: 20;\n    overflow: hidden;\n  }\n\n  .result-label {\n    display: inline-block;\n    font-size: 11px;\n    font-weight: 600;\n    letter-spacing: 1.5px;\n    text-transform: uppercase;\n    color: var(--primary);\n    background: var(--green-bright);\n    padding: 4px 12px;\n    border-radius: 4px;\n    margin-bottom: 12px;\n  }\n\n  .result-amount {\n    font-family: 'Poppins', sans-serif;\n    font-size: 48px;\n    font-weight: 700;\n    color: var(--white);\n    line-height: 1.1;\n    transition: color 0.3s ease;\n  }\n\n  .result-amount.has-value {\n    color: var(--white);\n  }\n\n  .result-breakdown {\n    display: flex;\n    justify-content: center;\n    gap: 24px;\n    margin-top: 16px;\n    padding-top: 16px;\n    border-top: 1px solid var(--primary-light);\n  }\n\n  .breakdown-item {\n    text-align: center;\n  }\n\n  .breakdown-item .bd-label {\n    font-size: 10px;\n    font-weight: 600;\n    letter-spacing: 1.2px;\n    text-transform: uppercase;\n    color: rgba(255,255,255,0.5);\n    margin-bottom: 2px;\n  }\n\n  .breakdown-item .bd-value {\n    font-family: 'Poppins', sans-serif;\n    font-size: 20px;\n    font-weight: 600;\n    color: var(--white);\n    opacity: 0.9;\n  }\n\n  \/* \u2500\u2500 Form body \u2500\u2500 *\/\n  .calc-body {\n    background: var(--white);\n    padding: 28px 32px 32px;\n  }\n\n  .section-title {\n    font-size: 11px;\n    font-weight: 700;\n    letter-spacing: 1.5px;\n    text-transform: uppercase;\n    color: var(--text-light);\n    margin-bottom: 16px;\n    display: flex;\n    align-items: center;\n    gap: 8px;\n  }\n\n  .section-title::after {\n    content: '';\n    flex: 1;\n    height: 1px;\n    background: var(--border-light);\n  }\n\n  .toggle-group {\n    display: flex;\n    background: var(--bg-light);\n    border-radius: 8px;\n    padding: 3px;\n    margin-bottom: 20px;\n    border: 1px solid var(--border-light);\n  }\n\n  .toggle-btn {\n    flex: 1;\n    padding: 10px 16px;\n    border: none;\n    background: transparent;\n    font-family: 'Poppins', sans-serif;\n    font-size: 13px;\n    font-weight: 500;\n    color: var(--text-mid);\n    cursor: pointer;\n    border-radius: 6px;\n    transition: all 0.25s ease;\n  }\n\n  .toggle-btn.active {\n    background: var(--white);\n    color: var(--text-dark);\n    font-weight: 600;\n    box-shadow: 0 1px 4px rgba(0,0,0,0.08);\n  }\n\n  .toggle-btn:hover:not(.active) {\n    color: var(--text-dark);\n  }\n\n  .field-row {\n    margin-bottom: 16px;\n  }\n\n  .field-row.two-col {\n    display: grid;\n    grid-template-columns: 1fr 1fr;\n    gap: 12px;\n  }\n\n  .field-label {\n    display: block;\n    font-size: 13px;\n    font-weight: 500;\n    color: var(--text-mid);\n    margin-bottom: 6px;\n  }\n\n  .input-wrap {\n    position: relative;\n    display: flex;\n    align-items: center;\n    width: 100%;\n  }\n\n  .input-prefix, .input-suffix {\n    position: absolute;\n    top: 50%;\n    transform: translateY(-50%);\n    font-size: 14px;\n    font-weight: 500;\n    color: var(--text-light);\n    pointer-events: none;\n    z-index: 1;\n    line-height: 1;\n    margin: 0;\n    padding: 0;\n  }\n\n  .input-prefix { left: 14px; }\n  .input-suffix { right: 14px; }\n\n  .calc-input {\n    width: 100% !important;\n    padding: 11px 14px !important;\n    border: 1.5px solid var(--border) !important;\n    border-radius: 8px !important;\n    font-family: 'Poppins', sans-serif !important;\n    font-size: 14px !important;\n    font-weight: 500 !important;\n    color: var(--text-dark) !important;\n    background: var(--white) !important;\n    transition: border-color 0.2s ease, box-shadow 0.2s ease !important;\n    -moz-appearance: textfield;\n    box-shadow: none !important;\n    outline: none !important;\n    margin: 0 !important;\n    height: auto !important;\n    line-height: 1.5 !important;\n  }\n\n  .calc-input::-webkit-outer-spin-button,\n  .calc-input::-webkit-inner-spin-button {\n    -webkit-appearance: none;\n    margin: 0;\n  }\n\n  .calc-input:focus {\n    outline: none !important;\n    border-color: var(--green-muted) !important;\n    box-shadow: 0 0 0 3px var(--green-glow) !important;\n  }\n\n  .calc-input.has-prefix { padding-left: 30px !important; }\n  .calc-input.has-suffix { padding-right: 50px !important; }\n\n  .input-hint {\n    font-size: 11px;\n    color: var(--text-light);\n    margin-top: 4px;\n    font-style: italic;\n  }\n\n  .future-section {\n    margin-top: 24px;\n    padding-top: 20px;\n    border-top: 1.5px solid var(--border-light);\n  }\n\n  .future-toggle-row {\n    display: flex;\n    align-items: center;\n    justify-content: space-between;\n    cursor: pointer;\n    padding: 4px 0;\n    margin-bottom: 4px;\n    user-select: none;\n  }\n\n  .future-toggle-row .ft-left {\n    display: flex;\n    align-items: center;\n    gap: 8px;\n  }\n\n  .ft-label {\n    font-size: 13px;\n    font-weight: 600;\n    color: var(--text-dark);\n  }\n\n  .ft-optional {\n    font-size: 11px;\n    font-weight: 500;\n    color: var(--text-light);\n    background: var(--bg-light);\n    padding: 2px 8px;\n    border-radius: 4px;\n  }\n\n  .ft-switch {\n    width: 40px;\n    height: 22px;\n    background: var(--border-light);\n    border: 1.5px solid var(--border);\n    border-radius: 12px;\n    position: relative;\n    transition: all 0.25s ease;\n    flex-shrink: 0;\n  }\n\n  .ft-switch::after {\n    content: '';\n    position: absolute;\n    width: 16px;\n    height: 16px;\n    background: var(--white);\n    border-radius: 50%;\n    top: 2px;\n    left: 2px;\n    transition: transform 0.25s ease;\n    box-shadow: 0 1px 3px rgba(0,0,0,0.15);\n  }\n\n  .ft-switch.on {\n    background: var(--green);\n    border-color: var(--green);\n  }\n\n  .ft-switch.on::after {\n    transform: translateX(18px);\n  }\n\n  .future-fields {\n    max-height: 0;\n    overflow: hidden;\n    opacity: 0;\n    transition: max-height 0.35s ease, opacity 0.25s ease, margin 0.3s ease;\n    margin-top: 0;\n  }\n\n  .future-fields.open {\n    max-height: 200px;\n    opacity: 1;\n    margin-top: 16px;\n  }\n\n  .disclaimer {\n    margin-top: 24px;\n    padding: 14px 16px;\n    background: var(--bg-light);\n    border-radius: 8px;\n    border-left: 3px solid var(--green-muted);\n  }\n\n  .disclaimer p {\n    font-size: 11.5px;\n    color: var(--text-light);\n    line-height: 1.55;\n  }\n\n  .cta-row {\n    margin-top: 20px;\n    text-align: center;\n  }\n\n  .cta-btn {\n    display: inline-flex !important;\n    align-items: center !important;\n    justify-content: center !important;\n    gap: 8px !important;\n    width: 100% !important;\n    padding: 14px 24px !important;\n    background: var(--primary) !important;\n    color: var(--white) !important;\n    border: none !important;\n    border-radius: 8px !important;\n    font-family: 'Poppins', sans-serif !important;\n    font-size: 14px !important;\n    font-weight: 600 !important;\n    cursor: pointer !important;\n    transition: background 0.2s ease, transform 0.15s ease !important;\n    text-decoration: none !important;\n    box-shadow: none !important;\n    line-height: 1.5 !important;\n  }\n\n  .cta-btn:hover,\n  .cta-btn:focus,\n  .cta-btn:visited,\n  .cta-btn:active {\n    color: var(--white) !important;\n    background: var(--primary-mid) !important;\n    transform: translateY(-1px);\n    text-decoration: none !important;\n    outline: none !important;\n  }\n\n  .cta-btn svg {\n    width: 16px;\n    height: 16px;\n    flex-shrink: 0;\n    fill: none;\n    stroke: var(--white) !important;\n  }\n\n  @media (max-width: 480px) {\n    .calc-wrapper { padding: 0 12px; margin: 20px auto; }\n    .calc-card { max-height: 82vh; }\n    .result-banner { padding: 24px 20px 20px; }\n    .result-amount { font-size: 38px; }\n    .calc-body { padding: 24px 20px 28px; }\n    .field-row.two-col { grid-template-columns: 1fr; }\n    .result-breakdown { gap: 16px; }\n    .breakdown-item .bd-value { font-size: 17px; }\n  }\n<\/style>\n<\/head>\n<body>\n\n<div class=\"calc-wrapper\">\n  <div class=\"calc-card\">\n    <!-- Result Banner -->\n    <div class=\"result-banner\">\n      <div class=\"result-label\">Estimated Lost Wages<\/div>\n      <div class=\"result-amount\" id=\"totalAmount\">$0<\/div>\n      <div class=\"result-breakdown\">\n        <div class=\"breakdown-item\">\n          <div class=\"bd-label\">Past Wages Lost<\/div>\n          <div class=\"bd-value\" id=\"pastValue\">$0<\/div>\n        <\/div>\n        <div class=\"breakdown-item\">\n          <div class=\"bd-label\">Future Wages Lost<\/div>\n          <div class=\"bd-value\" id=\"futureValue\">$0<\/div>\n        <\/div>\n      <\/div>\n    <\/div>\n\n    <!-- Form -->\n    <div class=\"calc-body\">\n      <div class=\"section-title\">Your Income<\/div>\n\n      <div class=\"toggle-group\">\n        <button class=\"toggle-btn active\" data-type=\"hourly\" onclick=\"setPayType('hourly')\">Hourly<\/button>\n        <button class=\"toggle-btn\" data-type=\"salary\" onclick=\"setPayType('salary')\">Salary<\/button>\n      <\/div>\n\n      <div id=\"hourlyFields\">\n        <div class=\"field-row two-col\">\n          <div>\n            <label class=\"field-label\" for=\"hourlyRate\">Hourly Rate<\/label>\n            <div class=\"input-wrap\">\n              <span class=\"input-prefix\">$<\/span>\n              <input type=\"number\" class=\"calc-input has-prefix\" id=\"hourlyRate\" placeholder=\"0.00\" min=\"0\" step=\"0.01\" oninput=\"calculate()\">\n            <\/div>\n          <\/div>\n          <div>\n            <label class=\"field-label\" for=\"hoursPerWeek\">Hours \/ Week<\/label>\n            <div class=\"input-wrap\">\n              <input type=\"number\" class=\"calc-input\" id=\"hoursPerWeek\" placeholder=\"40\" min=\"0\" max=\"168\" value=\"40\" oninput=\"calculate()\">\n            <\/div>\n          <\/div>\n        <\/div>\n      <\/div>\n\n      <div id=\"salaryFields\" style=\"display:none;\">\n        <div class=\"field-row\">\n          <label class=\"field-label\" for=\"annualSalary\">Annual Salary<\/label>\n          <div class=\"input-wrap\">\n            <span class=\"input-prefix\">$<\/span>\n            <input type=\"number\" class=\"calc-input has-prefix\" id=\"annualSalary\" placeholder=\"0\" min=\"0\" step=\"1000\" oninput=\"calculate()\">\n          <\/div>\n        <\/div>\n      <\/div>\n\n      <div class=\"field-row\">\n        <label class=\"field-label\" for=\"weeksMissed\">Weeks of Work Missed<\/label>\n        <div class=\"input-wrap\">\n          <input type=\"number\" class=\"calc-input has-suffix\" id=\"weeksMissed\" placeholder=\"0\" min=\"0\" oninput=\"calculate()\">\n          <span class=\"input-suffix\">wks<\/span>\n        <\/div>\n        <div class=\"input-hint\">Include partial weeks \u2014 e.g., 2.5 for two and a half weeks<\/div>\n      <\/div>\n\n      <div class=\"future-section\">\n        <div class=\"future-toggle-row\" onclick=\"toggleFuture()\">\n          <div class=\"ft-left\">\n            <span class=\"ft-label\">Include Future Lost Wages<\/span>\n            <span class=\"ft-optional\">Optional<\/span>\n          <\/div>\n          <div class=\"ft-switch\" id=\"futureSwitch\"><\/div>\n        <\/div>\n        <div class=\"future-fields\" id=\"futureFields\">\n          <div class=\"field-row two-col\">\n            <div>\n              <label class=\"field-label\" for=\"futureYears\">Years of Impact<\/label>\n              <div class=\"input-wrap\">\n                <input type=\"number\" class=\"calc-input has-suffix\" id=\"futureYears\" placeholder=\"0\" min=\"0\" max=\"50\" oninput=\"calculate()\">\n                <span class=\"input-suffix\">yrs<\/span>\n              <\/div>\n            <\/div>\n            <div>\n              <label class=\"field-label\" for=\"capacityLoss\">Earning Reduction<\/label>\n              <div class=\"input-wrap\">\n                <input type=\"number\" class=\"calc-input has-suffix\" id=\"capacityLoss\" placeholder=\"0\" min=\"0\" max=\"100\" oninput=\"calculate()\">\n                <span class=\"input-suffix\">%<\/span>\n              <\/div>\n              <div class=\"input-hint\">% of income you can no longer earn<\/div>\n            <\/div>\n          <\/div>\n        <\/div>\n      <\/div>\n\n      <div class=\"disclaimer\">\n        <p>This calculator provides a <strong>rough estimate only<\/strong> and does not account for overtime, benefits, raises, or present-value discounting. Actual lost wages in a California personal injury case may be significantly higher. Consult an attorney for an accurate assessment.<\/p>\n      <\/div>\n\n      <div class=\"cta-row\">\n        <a href=\"https:\/\/dklaw.com\/contact\/\" class=\"cta-btn\">\n          Get a Free Case Evaluation\n          <svg xmlns=\"http:\/\/www.w3.org\/2000\/svg\" fill=\"none\" viewBox=\"0 0 24 24\" stroke-width=\"2.5\" stroke=\"currentColor\"><path stroke-linecap=\"round\" stroke-linejoin=\"round\" d=\"M13.5 4.5L21 12m0 0l-7.5 7.5M21 12H3\"\/><\/svg>\n        <\/a>\n      <\/div>\n    <\/div>\n  <\/div>\n<\/div>\n\n<script>\n  let payType = 'hourly';\n  let futureOpen = false;\n\n  function setPayType(type) {\n    payType = type;\n    document.querySelectorAll('.toggle-btn').forEach(btn => {\n      btn.classList.toggle('active', btn.dataset.type === type);\n    });\n    document.getElementById('hourlyFields').style.display = type === 'hourly' ? '' : 'none';\n    document.getElementById('salaryFields').style.display = type === 'salary' ? '' : 'none';\n    calculate();\n  }\n\n  function toggleFuture() {\n    futureOpen = !futureOpen;\n    document.getElementById('futureSwitch').classList.toggle('on', futureOpen);\n    document.getElementById('futureFields').classList.toggle('open', futureOpen);\n    if (!futureOpen) {\n      document.getElementById('futureYears').value = '';\n      document.getElementById('capacityLoss').value = '';\n    }\n    calculate();\n  }\n\n  function getVal(id) {\n    const v = parseFloat(document.getElementById(id).value);\n    return isNaN(v) ? 0 : v;\n  }\n\n  function formatUSD(n) {\n    if (n >= 1000000) return '$' + (n \/ 1000000).toFixed(2).replace(\/\\.?0+$\/, '') + 'M';\n    if (n >= 100000) return '$' + Math.round(n).toLocaleString('en-US');\n    return '$' + n.toLocaleString('en-US', { minimumFractionDigits: 0, maximumFractionDigits: 0 });\n  }\n\n  function formatCompact(n) {\n    return '$' + n.toLocaleString('en-US', { minimumFractionDigits: 0, maximumFractionDigits: 0 });\n  }\n\n  function calculate() {\n    let annualEarnings = 0;\n    if (payType === 'hourly') {\n      const rate = getVal('hourlyRate');\n      const hpw = getVal('hoursPerWeek');\n      annualEarnings = rate * hpw * 52;\n    } else {\n      annualEarnings = getVal('annualSalary');\n    }\n\n    const weeklyEarnings = annualEarnings \/ 52;\n    const weeksMissed = getVal('weeksMissed');\n    const pastLoss = weeklyEarnings * weeksMissed;\n\n    let futureLoss = 0;\n    if (futureOpen) {\n      const years = getVal('futureYears');\n      const capLoss = getVal('capacityLoss') \/ 100;\n      futureLoss = annualEarnings * capLoss * years;\n    }\n\n    const total = pastLoss + futureLoss;\n\n    const el = document.getElementById('totalAmount');\n    el.textContent = formatUSD(total);\n    el.classList.toggle('has-value', total > 0);\n    document.getElementById('pastValue').textContent = formatCompact(pastLoss);\n    document.getElementById('futureValue').textContent = formatCompact(futureLoss);\n  }\n<\/script>\n\n<\/body>\n<\/html>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Why This Matters<\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p>Missing work after an accident is stressful enough. Then you start doing the math on what you&#8217;re actually losing, and it gets worse.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Most people underestimate the real number because &#8220;lost wages&#8221; covers more than missing paychecks. It&#8217;s a bundle of economic losses \u2013 past earnings, future earnings, and something called lost earning capacity.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>We built the calculator below to help you get a clearer picture. Here&#8217;s how it works and what goes into the math.<\/p>\n\n<\/div><\/div>\n\n<div class=\"dklaw-toc__block align wp-block-dklaw-toc-block\"><div class=\"acf-innerblocks-container\">\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\">The Three Parts of a Lost Wages Claim<\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p>Most people only think about the first one:<\/p>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list is-style-arrow-list\">\n<li><strong>Past lost earnings<\/strong> are what you would have earned between your injury date and today (or the date of settlement). This is the straightforward part. Your hourly rate or salary, multiplied by the time you missed.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><strong>Future lost earnings<\/strong> cover income you&#8217;re reasonably certain to lose going forward. If your doctor says you can&#8217;t return to full duty for another six months, that&#8217;s future lost earnings.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><strong>Lost earning capacity<\/strong> is the one that people tend to overlook. Even if you return to work, your injury may limit what you&#8217;re able to earn long-term. A construction worker who can no longer do heavy lifting might have to take a lower-paying desk job. That gap between what you could have earned and what you can earn now? That&#8217;s lost earning capacity, and California law says you can recover it even without a strong work history.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n<\/div><\/div>\n\n<div class=\"dklaw-toc__block align wp-block-dklaw-toc-block\"><div class=\"acf-innerblocks-container\">\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\">What Actually Goes Into the Calculation<\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p>Your base pay is the starting point, but it&#8217;s not the whole picture. The calculator accounts for:<\/p>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list is-style-arrow-list\">\n<li><strong>The overtime you would have worked.<\/strong> If you regularly put in extra hours, those lost overtime wages count. California uses a 1.5x multiplier for most overtime.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><strong>Bonuses and commissions you missed.<\/strong> That quarterly bonus you were on track to receive? It&#8217;s part of your loss.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><strong>Benefits your employer was paying for.<\/strong> Health insurance, retirement contributions, paid time off. Benefits typically add 30% or more on top of your base wages. Most people leave this money on the table.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><strong>Mitigation offsets.<\/strong> If you earned any income during recovery \u2013 light-duty work, freelance, anything like that \u2013 it gets subtracted from your <a href=\"https:\/\/dklaw.com\/the-fine-print\/recovering-lost-wages-california\/\">lost wages<\/a>. California law requires you to make reasonable efforts to work if you&#8217;re able to, but nobody expects you to push through work that would worsen your injury.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n<\/div><\/div>\n\n<div class=\"dklaw-toc__block align wp-block-dklaw-toc-block\"><div class=\"acf-innerblocks-container\">\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Why Future Losses Get Complicated<\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p>Projecting future earnings means factoring in wage growth (what raises you likely would have received) and then discounting that number back to its present value. A dollar twenty years from now is worth less than a dollar today, and California requires future economic damages to be reduced to &#8220;present cash value.&#8221;<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>The calculator handles this math for you. You plug in your current earnings, expected growth rate, and how many working years you have left. It runs the present value formula, so you don&#8217;t have to.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>One thing worth knowing: California is one of the states that <a href=\"https:\/\/leginfo.legislature.ca.gov\/faces\/codes_displaySection.xhtml?sectionNum=3361.&amp;lawCode=CIV\">prohibits reducing your lost earnings estimate based on race, ethnicity, or gender<\/a>. Your calculation should reflect your individual earning potential, period.<\/p>\n\n<\/div><\/div>\n\n<div class=\"dklaw-toc__block align wp-block-dklaw-toc-block\"><div class=\"acf-innerblocks-container\">\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Self-Employed? It Still Works<\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p>If you&#8217;re self-employed, the inputs are different, but the logic is the same. Instead of pay stubs and W-2s, you&#8217;re working from tax returns, 1099s, and Schedule C filings. The calculator lets you toggle between hourly, salaried, and self-employed modes so the math fits your situation.<\/p>\n\n<\/div><\/div>\n\n<div class=\"dklaw-toc__block align wp-block-dklaw-toc-block\"><div class=\"acf-innerblocks-container\">\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\">The Calculator Is a Starting Point. Not a Substitute for Legal Advice.<\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p>A calculator gives you a useful ballpark, but some things don&#8217;t fit neatly into a formula \u2013 like whether your employer would have promoted you, how long your recovery will actually take, or what vocational options are realistically available given your specific limitations.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>If you&#8217;ve been injured and you&#8217;re losing income, run your numbers below. Then <a href=\"https:\/\/dklaw.com\/contact\/\">call DK Law for a free consultation<\/a>. We can look at the full picture together and help you understand what your claim is actually worth.<\/p>\n\n<\/div><\/div>\n\n<div class=\"dklaw-author align wp-block-dklaw-author has-text-color has-primary-black-color has-background has-tertiary-blue-background-color\"><div class=\"dklaw-author__block\"><div class=\"dklaw-author__image\" style=\"background-image:url(https:\/\/dklaw.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/06\/daniel-kim.jpg);\"><\/div><div><p class=\"dklaw-author__block-about\">About the Author<\/p><h4 class=\"wp-block-heading is-style-heading-serif\">Daniel Kim<\/h4><h6><\/h6><p>He is the founder of DK Law and a nationally recognized car accident lawyer. Daniel Kim earned his B.S. from the University of Maryland and J.D. from Chapman University. Daniel has recovered $600M+ for injury victims and is a member of elite legal forums.<\/p>\n<div class=\"dklaw-author__social-icons\"><a href=\"https:\/\/www.linkedin.com\/company\/the-law-offices-of-daniel-kim\"><svg width=\"17\" height=\"17\" viewBox=\"0 0 17 17\" fill=\"none\" xmlns=\"http:\/\/www.w3.org\/2000\/svg\"><g clip-path=\"url(#clip0_5702_21335)\"><path d=\"M15.7416 0H1.25508C0.561133 0 0 0.547852 0 1.2252V15.7715C0 16.4488 0.561133 17 1.25508 17H15.7416C16.4355 17 17 16.4488 17 15.7748V1.2252C17 0.547852 16.4355 0 15.7416 0ZM5.04355 14.4865H2.52012V6.37168H5.04355V14.4865ZM3.78184 5.26602C2.97168 5.26602 2.31758 4.61191 2.31758 3.80508C2.31758 2.99824 2.97168 2.34414 3.78184 2.34414C4.58867 2.34414 5.24277 2.99824 5.24277 3.80508C5.24277 4.60859 4.58867 5.26602 3.78184 5.26602ZM14.4865 14.4865H11.9664V10.542C11.9664 9.60234 11.9498 8.39043 10.6549 8.39043C9.34336 8.39043 9.14414 9.41641 9.14414 10.4756V14.4865H6.62734V6.37168H9.04453V7.48066H9.07773C9.41308 6.84316 10.2365 6.16914 11.4617 6.16914C14.015 6.16914 14.4865 7.84922 14.4865 10.034V14.4865Z\" fill=\"#08368B\"\/><\/g><defs><clipPath id=\"clip0_5702_21335\"><rect width=\"17\" height=\"17\" fill=\"white\"\/><\/clipPath><\/defs><\/svg><\/a><\/div><\/div><\/div><\/div>\n<\/div><\/div>\n<\/div><\/div>\n\n<div class=\"dklaw-section dklaw-cards dklaw-section__explore-cards align wp-block-dklaw-explore-cards\"><div class=\"acf-innerblocks-container\">\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-columns is-layout-flex wp-container-core-columns-is-layout-9d6595d7 wp-block-columns-is-layout-flex\">\n<div class=\"wp-block-column is-layout-flow wp-block-column-is-layout-flow\">\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading has-text-align-center\">Explore By What Matters Most<\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"has-text-align-center is-style-paragraph-subheading\">Whether you&#8217;re searching by location or case type, we&#8217;ll help you get exactly where you need to be.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-columns is-layout-flex wp-container-core-columns-is-layout-9d6595d7 wp-block-columns-is-layout-flex\">\n<div class=\"wp-block-column is-layout-flow wp-block-column-is-layout-flow\"><div class=\"dklaw-card align is-style-card-bordered dklaw-card__explore wp-block-dklaw-card\"><div class=\"acf-innerblocks-container\">\n\n<h4 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Find Us Near You<\/h4>\n\n\n\n<p>Browse all cities and counties we serve. <br>See where our attorneys are winning cases every day.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-buttons is-layout-flex wp-block-buttons-is-layout-flex\">\n<div class=\"wp-block-button is-style-outline is-style-outline--1\"><a class=\"wp-block-button__link has-primary-black-background-color has-background wp-element-button\" href=\"\/locations\/\">View All Locations<\/a><\/div>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image\"><img decoding=\"async\" src=\"\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/06\/dklaw-map.svg\" alt=\"illusttration of a map\"\/><\/figure>\n\n<\/div><\/div><\/div>\n\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-column is-layout-flow wp-block-column-is-layout-flow\"><div class=\"dklaw-card align is-style-card-bordered dklaw-card__explore wp-block-dklaw-card\"><div class=\"acf-innerblocks-container\">\n\n<h4 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Explore Legal Focus Areas<\/h4>\n\n\n\n<p>From car accidents to wrongful death, see every type of case we handle with confidence.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-buttons is-layout-flex wp-block-buttons-is-layout-flex\">\n<div class=\"wp-block-button is-style-outline is-style-outline--2\"><a class=\"wp-block-button__link has-primary-black-background-color has-background wp-element-button\" href=\"\/practice-areas\/\">See All Locations<\/a><\/div>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image\"><img decoding=\"async\" src=\"\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/06\/dklaw-file-cabinet.svg\" alt=\"case files in a cabinet\"\/><\/figure>\n\n<\/div><\/div><\/div>\n<\/div>\n\n<\/div><\/div>\n\n<div id=\"form\" style=\"--bg-image: url(https:\/\/dklaw.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/03\/daniel-kim-and-client-1.jpg);\" class=\"dklaw-section dklaw-cta dklaw-cta-form alignfull wp-block-dklaw-cta-form has-background has-primary-beige-background-color\"><div class=\"acf-innerblocks-container\">\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-columns has-primary-black-background-color has-background is-layout-flex wp-container-core-columns-is-layout-9d6595d7 wp-block-columns-is-layout-flex\">\n<div class=\"wp-block-column dklaw-cta-form__bg-column is-layout-flow wp-block-column-is-layout-flow\" style=\"flex-basis:50%\">\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading dklaw-cta-form__heading has-primary-white-color has-text-color\">DK <em>all the way<\/em><\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"dklaw-cta-form__subheading has-primary-white-color has-text-color\">From Your Case to Compensation, we take your case <em>all the way.<\/em><\/p>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-column is-vertically-aligned-center is-layout-flow wp-block-column-is-layout-flow\" style=\"flex-basis:50%\"><div class=\"dklaw-form align wp-block-dklaw-form\"><div class=\"acf-innerblocks-container\">\n\n<h4 class=\"wp-block-heading dklaw-form__heading\">Schedule a Free Consultation<\/h4>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"dklaw-form__subheading has-primary-green-color has-text-color\">Get Expert Legal Advice at <strong>Zero Cost.<\/strong><\/p>\n\n<\/div>\t\t\n\t\t\t\n\t<form id=\"dklaw-form\" class=\"dklaw-form__form\" role=\"form\" aria-label=\"Free Case Review Form\" data-redirect=\"\/ty\/thank-you\/\">\n\t\t<div class=\"dklaw-form__form-grid\">\n\t\t\t<div class=\"dklaw-form__form-field\">\n\t\t\t\t<label for=\"firstName\">First Name<\/label>\t\t\t\t<input type=\"text\" id=\"firstName\" name=\"firstname\" placeholder=\"First Name\" value=\"\" aria-required=\"true\" required>\n\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t<div class=\"dklaw-form__form-field\">\n\t\t\t\t<label for=\"lastName\">Last Name<\/label>\t\t\t\t<input type=\"text\" id=\"lastName\" name=\"lastname\" placeholder=\"Last Name\" value=\"\" aria-required=\"true\" required>\n\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\n\t\t<div class=\"dklaw-form__form-field\">\n\t\t\t<label for=\"email\">Email<\/label>\t\t\t<input type=\"email\" id=\"email\" name=\"email\" placeholder=\"Email Address\" value=\"\" aria-required=\"true\" required>\n\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\n\t\t<div class=\"dklaw-form__form-field\">\n\t\t\t<label for=\"phone\">Phone Number<\/label>\t\t\t<input type=\"tel\" id=\"phone\" name=\"phone\" placeholder=\"Phone Number\" value=\"\" aria-required=\"true\" required minlength=\"14\">\n\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\n\t\t<div class=\"dklaw-form__form-field dklaw-form__form-checkbox\">\n\t\t\t<input type=\"checkbox\" id=\"terms\" value=\"\" name=\"allow_texting\" aria-describedby=\"terms-note\" checked>\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\t<label for=\"terms\" id=\"terms-note\">By checking this box, you expressly consent to receive calls, text messages, and emails from DK Law regarding your inquiry, including communications sent using automated technology. You authorize contact during or outside traditional business hours and even if your phone number appears on any federal or state Do Not Call registry. Your consent is not required as a condition of obtaining legal services <a href=\"\/terms-conditions\/\" style=\"text-decoration:none\" target=\"_blank\">View our Terms &#038; Conditions<\/a><\/label>\t\t\t\n\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t<div class=\"cf-turnstile\" data-sitekey=\"0x4AAAAAACM74PWhFrQ4Zb-D\" data-theme=\"light\" data-appearance=\"interaction-only\"><\/div>\n\t\t<div id=\"success__message\"><\/div>\n\t\t<div id=\"success__error\"><\/div>\n\t\t<div class=\"dklaw-form__form-field text-center\">\n\t\t\t<button type=\"submit\" class=\"wp-block-button__link wp-element-button has-primary-yellow-background-color\" aria-label=\"Get Started\">Get Started<\/button>\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t<div class=\"dklaw-form__privacy\">\n\t\t\t<svg width=\"15\" height=\"16\" viewBox=\"0 0 15 16\" fill=\"none\" xmlns=\"http:\/\/www.w3.org\/2000\/svg\">\n\t\t\t<path d=\"M13.8389 2.81263C11.816 2.66105 9.9218 1.86947 8.48736 0.555789L8.11956 0.202105C7.97244 0.0673681 7.77014 0 7.56788 0C7.36559 0 7.16329 0.0673681 7.01617 0.202105L6.64837 0.555789C5.21393 1.86947 3.31973 2.66105 1.29681 2.81263C0.892223 2.84631 0.57959 3.14947 0.57959 3.52V5.55789C0.57959 9.8358 3.11744 13.8105 7.18168 15.9158C7.29203 15.9832 7.43915 16 7.56788 16C7.69658 16 7.82531 15.9663 7.95405 15.9158C12.0183 13.8105 14.5561 9.8358 14.5561 5.55789V3.52C14.5561 3.14947 14.2435 2.84631 13.8389 2.81263ZM11.3378 6.33262L7.29203 10.5095C7.16329 10.6442 6.94261 10.6442 6.81388 10.5095L4.20247 8.00001C4.07373 7.88211 4.07373 7.69685 4.20247 7.57896L4.84612 6.98948C4.97485 6.87159 5.15876 6.87159 5.28749 6.97264L6.74032 8.13475C6.86905 8.2358 7.07134 8.2358 7.20007 8.1179L10.1609 5.35578C10.2896 5.23789 10.4919 5.23789 10.6206 5.33894L11.2827 5.89473C11.4482 6.02947 11.4482 6.21473 11.3378 6.33262Z\" fill=\"#131314\"\/>\n\t\t\t<\/svg>\n\t\t\t<a href=\"\/privacy-policy\/\"><span>Your Privacy, Our Priority<\/span><\/a>\n\t\t\t<input type=\"hidden\" id=\"ga4_client_id\" name=\"ga4_client_id\" value=\"\">\n\t\t<\/div>\t\t\n\t<\/form>\n\n\t<\/div><\/div>\n<\/div>\n\n<\/div><\/div>\n\n<div class=\"dklaw-section__small-padding-bottom dklaw-section dklaw-cta dklaw-cta-promise alignfull wp-block-dklaw-cta-promise has-background has-primary-white-background-color\"><div class=\"acf-innerblocks-container\">\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-columns are-vertically-aligned-center has-primary-black-background-color has-background is-layout-flex wp-container-core-columns-is-layout-9d6595d7 wp-block-columns-is-layout-flex\">\n<div class=\"wp-block-column is-vertically-aligned-center is-layout-flow wp-block-column-is-layout-flow\" style=\"flex-basis:75%\">\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading has-primary-white-color has-text-color\">At DK Law we&#8217;re with you &#8211; <em>all the way.<\/em><\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"dklaw-cta-promise__underline has-primary-white-color has-text-color\">Get a Free Consultation with our experts today!<\/p>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-column is-vertically-aligned-center is-layout-flow wp-block-column-is-layout-flow\" style=\"flex-basis:25%\">\n<div class=\"wp-block-buttons is-content-justification-flex-end is-layout-flex wp-block-buttons-is-layout-flex\">\n<div class=\"wp-block-button is-style-button-phone\"><a class=\"wp-block-button__link has-primary-yellow-background-color has-background wp-element-button\" href=\"tel:7147903562\">714-790-3562<\/a><\/div>\n\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-button is-style-outline is-style-outline--3\"><a class=\"wp-block-button__link has-primary-white-background-color has-background wp-element-button\" href=\"#form\">Free Case Consultation<\/a><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n\n<\/div><\/div>","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"<p>A personal injury claim can recover more than medical bills. Learn how lost wages, future income, and earning capacity factor into what you are owed.<\/p>","protected":false},"featured_media":109768,"parent":0,"menu_order":0,"template":"","class_list":["post-109753","resources","type-resources","status-publish","has-post-thumbnail","hentry"],"acf":[],"_links":{"self":[{"href":"https:\/\/dklaw.com\/ko\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/resources\/109753","targetHints":{"allow":["GET"]}}],"collection":[{"href":"https:\/\/dklaw.com\/ko\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/resources"}],"about":[{"href":"https:\/\/dklaw.com\/ko\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/types\/resources"}],"wp:featuredmedia":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/dklaw.com\/ko\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media\/109768"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/dklaw.com\/ko\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media?parent=109753"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}