Auto Insurance Claims: Loss of wages....Owner of company., payroll company, payroll records

Question
I was in a car accident, (other driver's fault) and the insurance company has called several times to settle the injury claim. My question is; "Am I entitled to loss of wages if I own my own business?" I've been reading about settling claims, and normally the answer is yes, however, my circumstances are unique. I opened a store only 5 months ago. I work at the store every day (6 days a week), however, as with many new business, there's nothing left at the end of the week to pay myself. lol. After the accident, I had a girl work for a little over a week. Although I didn't lose any wages, I did have to pay her to work because I couldn't. Can I include that amount in the settlement? And if I do include it, is going to even be worth the argument with the insurance company? By the way, Yes, she was paid on the books (through a payroll company).

Thank you,
Nita

Answer
Hi Bonita,

Yes you can claim the wages you had to pay to someone to do your job. You have the payroll records to prove what you paid. Your records should also show that the employee did not work for you before or after this time period. They may try to argue the point with you, but you should stand firm. You may have to negotiate a bit to reach a final settlement.

I hope this helps
Richard Hixenbaugh