Legal Definitions - earnings

Earnings refer to the revenue gained from labor or services, investment of capital, or assets. It is a form of income that individuals or companies receive.

• Gross earnings: This refers to the total income earned before any deductions or taxes are taken out. For example, if an individual earns $50,000 per year, their gross earnings would be $50,000.
• Lost earnings: This refers to the income that an individual could have earned if they had not lost their job, suffered a disabling injury, or died. For instance, if a person was unable to work due to an injury, they may be awarded lost earnings as damages in a personal injury case.
• Appropriated retained earnings: These are retained earnings that a company's board designates for a specific purpose and are therefore unavailable for other uses. For example, a company may appropriate retained earnings for research and development purposes.

The examples illustrate how earnings can be earned through various means such as labor, investment, or assets. Gross earnings show the total income earned before any deductions or taxes are taken out. Lost earnings refer to the income that an individual could have earned if they had not lost their job, suffered a disabling injury, or died. Appropriated retained earnings are retained earnings that a company designates for a specific purpose and are therefore unavailable for other uses.