as an economist

I am a real estate investor and broker trained in urban and regional economics that appreciates the nature of local economies through market transactions.  Combined with my applied and academic experience in public finance, I deliver quantifiable analysis when evaluating public projects, land use, and regional economic events.

I provide valuation of economic damages arising from personal injury, wrongful death, wrongful termination, wrongful birth, medical malpractice, along with business losses.

I earned my BBA from Baylor University (1987), my MA from Texas Christian University (1994), and my PhD from The University of Tennessee (1995). Economics was the field of study for all degrees.

Since 1996, I have provided litigation support and expert economic testimony for both plaintiffs and defendants throughout the United States.  I provide retaining attorneys with analyses and support throughout the duration of their case.

I am a tenured university professor who receives strong classroom evaluations from my students.  My committee life, board membership, frequent contribution to the press on local issues, and status as a former Abilene city councilman have honed my presentation skills in a variety of situations, allowing me to be an effective communicator in community forums, depositions, or the courtroom.

individual valuations

When resolving claims arising from death, injury or job termination, a summary of damages is necessary. Complete the appropriate form to initiate a case summary for your client.

wrongful death summary
JOB TERMINATION SUMMARY
PERSONAL INJURY SUMMARY

These three questionnaires allow me to summarize the facts associated with your client’s claim and begin valuation of their damages.

In addition to facts about your valuation case, you should upload additional information such as relevant deposition transcripts, tax returns for your client (the most exhaustive set would span a 10-year period), employer handbooks detailing paid benefits, reports of doctors, rehabilitation specialists or vocational analysts, and any other information that details compensation and benefits, such as annual compensation reports, check stubs or retirement account statements.

ethics

I will decline involvement in any litigation when I am knowingly asked to assume invalid representations of fact or alter my methodologies without foundation.

I ensure that valuations are based upon sound methodologies, theories and unbiased, valid, and reliable economic information. I strive to be accurate, objective, and thorough in my analyses and refrain from submitting to any party in the litigation any information, through commission or omission, that is misleading, biased or inaccurate.

I stand ready provide data employed for valuation estimation for other, competent forensic economics experts.  I am prepared to provide sufficient disclosure of sources of information and assumptions underpinning my opinions to make them understandable to others.

I work to stay current in the field of forensic economics.

I do not accept contingency relationships or fees associated with the size of court awards or out-of-court settlements in legal proceedings.

fees

I require a non-refundable retainer of $600 for the estimation of an individual’s economic damages before work commences.  I will apply this toward fees associated with the preparation of my valuation.

I require a non-refundable designation fee of $300 before the designation of my services as your expert witness.  This fee is applied against the non-refundable retainer should work commence. I bill for my services on an hourly basis.  

Rates are $325 per hour for research and document preparation and $375 for deposition, arbitration, and trial testimony. 

Reimbursable expenses will be billed as incurred. Travel in all instances is billed $75 per hour. If traveling by other modes of transportation besides car, reimbursement is expected for those expenses.

I am to be retained by the attorney, not the attorney’s client.  I will look to the retaining attorney for the payment of professional services rendered; if unpaid balance results in litigation, an Abilene, Texas venue will be selected.

I will bill as work is completed or on a monthly basis for work-in-progress and payment is due upon receipt.