FUTURE LOST INCOME STREAM IN A UTAH WRONGFUL DEATH CASE.
Here is how lost future income can be calculated and captured in a Utah wrongful death case:
(1). Past Earnings. Past base earnings of the deceased are calculated from tax returns, paystubs or other income statements and indicators.
(2). Vocational Rehab Expert. An expert witness, called a vocational rehabilitationist is hired to project out the expected career path of the deceased, over their life expectancy. For example, if the deceased worked in construction and was 38 years old, that person may be expected to work another 25 years at an increasing hourly rate. United States social security administration life expectancy charts can be used.
(3). Economist. An economist is hired to reduce the lost income stream to present value for the jury to consider. 1 million dollars today is not worth 1 million dollars in 30 years.