When a business owner or executive dies or is disabled, the damages question is deceptively hard: what were their services actually worth? Reported W-2 income often understates or overstates it, because owners set their own pay with taxes and cash flow in mind — not litigation. Grahall establishes the reasonable compensation for the roles the person actually performed, giving damages calculations a market-based foundation.
When counsel retain us
We work with counsel and damages economists in wrongful death, disability, and personal injury matters involving owner-executives and key employees — establishing the earnings-capacity input on which lost-earnings projections are built.
How the opinion is built
A composite-role analysis identifies the functions the individual performed and compares relevant duties with market compensation evidence. That evidence may inform an earnings or earning-capacity analysis, but the cost of replacing services is not automatically the legally recoverable loss. Counsel and the damages economist determine the appropriate loss measure, assumptions and adjustments under the governing law. Any report or testimony is provided within the agreed engagement.
If this question is live in a matter you are handling, request a conflicts check — an initial conversation costs nothing and quickly clarifies whether an independent compensation expert strengthens your case. Our methodology and engagement structures pages explain how we work.
This material is general educational information, not legal or tax advice for a particular matter. Requirements vary by jurisdiction and can change. Counsel and tax advisers should verify the governing rules. No tax treatment, privilege, admissibility or case outcome is guaranteed. An inquiry does not create an engagement.