Economics Expert Reviews Damages For Construction Injury

Economics Expert 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

Expert-ID: 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.