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
- Gather decedent's tax returns, W-2s, and employment records
- Document household composition and dependents
- Identify household services the decedent performed
- Confirm jurisdictional personal consumption rule
Questions to ask the expert
- How do you reconstruct earning capacity for decedents with limited records?
- What personal consumption percentage applies?
- How do you project household services?
Timeline
1-3 weeks before retention.
Required documents
- Tax returns
- W-2s
- Household and dependents documentation
Common pitfalls
- Missing fringe benefits
- Generic personal consumption percentages
Frequently Asked Questions
When is a vocational expert added to the economist?
When earning capacity reconstruction is complex (episodic work history, career change).
References
- BLS ATUSGovernment
Ready to Get Started on wrongful death cases?
Contact KWVRS to discuss scope, timing, and the deliverables appropriate to the matter. Plaintiff and defense.