Considering an Expert for Wrongful Death Cases

Responsible experts: Christopher Skerritt, M.Ed., MBA (Chief of Economic Services); Matthew R. Putts, Ph.D. (Chief of Vocational Services) · Last updated

Wrongful death matters typically require a forensic economist and, in complex cases, a vocational expert. Identify earnings documentation and household composition before retention.

Checklist

  1. Gather decedent's tax returns, W-2s, and employment records
  2. Document household composition and dependents
  3. Identify household services the decedent performed
  4. Confirm jurisdictional personal consumption rule

Questions to ask the expert

Timeline

1-3 weeks before retention.

Required documents

Common pitfalls

Frequently Asked Questions

When is a vocational expert added to the economist?

When earning capacity reconstruction is complex (episodic work history, career change).

References

  1. BLS ATUS Government

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