MERLE F. DIMBATH, Ph.D.

Analysis of Lost Earning Capacity	Analysis of lost Business Profits
Net Accumulation to the Estate	Employment Practices
Medical and Rehabilitation Expenses	Analysis of Opposition's Claim
Expert Witness	The Value of Household Services

Analysis of Lost Earning Capacity
Personal injury cases require a detailed examination of the subject's pre-accident employment and the economic factors that would likely influence the income during future years. Post accident prospects must also be carefully considered. Collaboration with a vocational or rehabilitation expert is often involved. In death cases, the personal consumption requirement and savings of the subject are important considerations in estimating the value of the lost support to the survivors. The value of lost fringe benefits are often important matters in both injury and death cases. We can help by analyzing the numerous items of personal information, tax returns, vocational reports, and industry and government data to develop objective estimates of lost earnings or support reduced to present value.

Net Accumulation to the Estate
This is an economic loss that arises in most wrongful death cases. In situations where there are no survivors, this may be the only element of economic loss. Future income growth, personal consumption, savings rates, and returns on investments are all factor-s that must be considered. We can help whether your subject was young with limited income or a highly paid corporate executive.

Medical and Rehabilitation Expenses
Lost earnings usually end upon assumed retirement. But medical expenses may continue to the end of life expectancy. These expenses include medicine, physician services, special equipment, pain clinic, various therapies, and sometimes custodial care. We are experienced in all aspects of medical care expense projections including the prescriptions and programs set forth in detailed life care plans prepared by the rehabilitation expert. We can help by preparing the present value e, mates for the medical care portion of your case.

Analysis of Lost Business Profits
A business may suffer losses as a result of the death or injury of a key person. Or the loss may arise from the breach of contract or illegal act by another. Whatever the situation, analysis of lost profits is a special case that requires careful analysis of company, market and industry factors. Our research library and data base compiled over many years plus of experience in analyzing a wide variety of businesses enables us to help you in that difficult business loss case.

Employment Practices
Economic damages can result from unfair or illegal situations or actions related to employment. Discrimination in hiring or promotion based on race, sex, age or other recognized characteristics can result in economic damages to a person or group. Wrongful terminations can also have negative economic consequences for those involved. Sexual harassment on the job may result in a claim for economic damages. We have valuable experience in economic analysis in such cases.

Analysis of Opposition's Claim
An important part of our work, particularly for defense attorneys, is the critical review and analysis of the economic loss claim of the opposition. Differences in income base, growth rate and discount rate can significantly influence the final present value figures. An assessment of the reasonableness of the opposition's claim may also help in pre-trial settlement negotiations. We are some- times retained, without being listed as a witness, to pro- vide forensic economic consulting services: in preparation for trial. We can help before your case goes to court.

The Value of Household Services
The services provided by individuals for themselves and their households add greatly to their economic well being. The loss of the household services provided by a family member could cause significant economic loss. The valuation of household services requires the conversion of income 'in kind' to its market equivalent 'in cash.' We can help by developing economic values for lost house- hold services.

Expert Witness
The ultimate test of the forensic economist is courtroom testimony. Dr. Dimbath has years of experience as a university professor, television and radio personality, and expert witness in state and federal courts. Testimony regarding economic damages is presented by a confident, credible and persuasive witness. Each courtroom testimony is supported by clear and interesting visual aids. His extensive litigation experience means that he has probably worked on cases similar to yours in the past.