This case involves a 47-year-old construction worker who was injured while working on a commercial project site. The worker’s leg became entangled in the blades of a trenching machine and required amputation on-site. An expert in forensic economics was sought to opine on the worker’s damages and loss of income.
Question(s) For Expert Witness
- 1. Please describe your background in forensic economics.
- 2. How would you calculate loss of earnings and future income for individuals with injuries like the one described?
Expert Witness Response E-082528
I have a PhD in economics and 43 years experience as an economics professor. I also have 29 years experience in forensic economics. I use large government databases to create alternative models of earning capacity prior to injury based on the plaintiff’s earning history, demographics, estimates of survival probability, the probability of labor-force participation, employment, hours worked per week and annual earnings — factors which I reduce to present expected value. I then model post-injury earnings based on above variables plus the probability of recovery. It appears that the plaintiff would have a permanent partial disability.
Expert Witness Response E-007564

I have 30 years experience calculating economic damages in personal injury matters and have reviewed cases similar to this case. I would review the plaintiff’s past earning history, average earnings for the occupation nationally and in the local area, and estimate the plaintiff’s pre-injury earning capacity. If there is a vocational expert with an opinion regarding the future impaired capacity, I would offset damages using that figure. Both pre and post-injury are adjusted for wage growth and taxes, if necessary. All expected earnings and offset earnings are reduced to present value. Loss of benefits and home services are also considered.