ECONOMIC ANALYSIS REPORT RE: ANGELA MEEKS Prepared by Angela Meeks Student of Litigation Support Ball State university Muncie, Indiana March 21, 1994 .- TABLE I SUMMARY OF ECONOMIC LOSSES ANGELA MEEKS, AGE 32 TO 60 Date of Birth: Marital status: Appraisal Period: Education: Married Position/Occupation: 2/23/94 BS (legal admin.) Paralegal with the firm of James and Ballard 1993 to 2022, 29 years Projected Retirement: - Date of Death: 3/16/62 Age 60, 2022 (1) $2,344,144 A. Future Earnings (2 ) B. Personal consumption (3) (74% of A) 1,734.667 c. Future Value of Household Work (4) 1,232,050 D. subtotal (A + C - B) 1,841,527 E. Net Present Value of Loss 1. Projected retirement at age 60 is a conservative estimate as most individuals work beyond age 60. Such a projection, however, has built in latitude for absences from the labor market for such things as child bearing and illness. It is assumed that Mrs. Meeks would finish out the work year in which she turned 60. 2. see Table II, These figures for future earnings also make an allowance for any fringe benefits. 3. see Table IV and application of Table IV 4. see Table! V 478,797 2 - TABLE II PROSPECTIVE INCOME STREAK OF ANGELA MEEKS FROM AGE 32 TO 60 Date of Birth: Appraisal Period: - 2/23/94 1993 - 2022, 29yrs. Projected Retirement: YEAR Date of Death: 3/16/62 Age 60, 2022 FUTURE INCOME 1993 1994 1995 1996 1997 1998 1999 2000 2001 2002 2003 2004 2005 2006 2007 2008 2009 2010 2011 2012 2013 2014 2015 2016 2017 2018 2019 2020 2021 2022 $ 31,254 33,035 34,917 36,907 39,011 41,235 43,585 46,069 48,695 51,471 54,405 57,506 60,784 64,249 67,911 71,782 75,874 80,199 84,770 89,602 94,709 100,107 105,813 111,844 118,219 124,957 132,080 139,609 147,567 155,978 TOTALS $2,344,144 Notes follow on the next page. 3 PRESENT DISCOUNTED VALUE AT 1994 $ 31,254 30,223 29,226 28,262 27,329 26,427 25,555 24,712 23,897 23,108 22,345 21,608 20,895 20,205 19,538 18,893 18,270 17,667 17,084 16,520 15,975 15,448 14,938 14,445 13,968 13,507 13,061 12,630 12,213 11,818 $601,021 NOTES FOR TABLE II 1. Projected at a 5.7% annual rate of increase based on current averages for paralegals nationwile as presented in Legal Assistants Today (Vol. 10, No. 5 May/June 1993, p.48+) 2. The earnings for 1993 are based on a national average for a paralegal with 10 years of experience working in a private law firm of 6 to 9 attorneys. (found in same article) 3. Discounted at 9.0%, the average annual yield on long-term U.S. government bonds over the last ten years. This rate (9.0%) represents the rate of return a peron could expect on investments with virtually no risk. If interest rates should rise above this in the futurE~, wage, an salary growth will also rise, an thus the present discounted values presented here will remain essentially unchanged. 'rhe key here is the difference between the growth in compensation and the discounted rate: 5.7%-9.0% = -3.3%. Therefore, the real income would have suffered an annual decline of 3.3%. This figure is quite conservative. 4. Rounding may slightly affect the Totals . - . 4 TABLE III ANNUAL CHANGES IN EARNINGS AND COMPENSATION IN THE PRIVATE BUSINESS SECTOR - YEAR PERCENT CHANGE 1984 7.0 1985 7.4 1986 7.1 1987 7.0 1988 7.5 1990 4.4 1991 4.0 1992 3.5 1993 3.6 AVERAGE 5.7 5 -- TABLE IV SUMMARY OF FAMILY EXPENDITURES, INCOME, AND SAVINGS, FOR FAMILY WITH INCOME OF $30,000 OR MORE AVERAGE IN DOLLARS Money Income, before taxes - PERCENTAGE OF MONEY INCOME $57,364 100% Taxes 10,326 18% Money Income, after taxes 47,038 82% Current Consumption (Housing Expenditure) (Personal Insurance) (Case contributions) 40,154 12,046 287 1,147 70% 21% 7,457 13% Savings 6 • 5~ 0 2% APPLICATION OF TABLE IV TO MEEKS HOUSEHOLD The deceased Angela Meeks's net contribution to household welfare (what Jeffrey Meeks will lose monetarily as a result of his wife's death) will consist of: 1. 2. 3. Her contributions to savings, Her gifts and other contributions, and One-half of the housing expenditures. Based on the information contained in Table IV, savings will average 13% of income, gifts and other will average 2.5% of income, and one-half of housing will average 10.5% of income. Therefore, the total income available to the discretionary use in any given year will average decedent's income. - - If the 26% figure is used as the to the household welfare, her present value, should be reduced losses to her husband caused by household's 26% of the deceased's projected contribution projected income, discounted to by 74% in order to project the net her death. 7 .TABLE V PROJECTED VALUE OF HOUSEHOLD ACTIVITIES OF ANGELA MEEKS FROM AGE 32 TO 60 FUTURE VALUES YEAR - PRESENT DISCOUNTED VALUE AT 1994 1993 1994 1995 1996 1997 1998 1999 2000 2001 2002 2003 2004 2005 2006 2007 2008 2009 2010 2011 2012 2013 2014 2015 2016 2017 2018 2019 2020 2021 2022 $ 16,425 17,361 18,351 19,397 20,503 21,672 22,907 24,213 25,593 27,052 28,594 30,224 31,947 33,768 35,693 37,728 39,878 42,151 44,554 47,094 49,778 52,615 55,614 58,784 62,135 65,677 69,421 73,378 77,561 81,982 $ 16,425 15,883 15,359 14,852 14,362 13,888 13,430 12,987 12,558 12,144 11,743 11,355 10,980 10,618 10,268 9929 9601 9284 8978 8682 8395 8118 7850 7591 7340 7098 6864 6637 6418 6206 TOTALS $ 1,232,050 $ 315,842 Notes follow on the next page. 8 1. It is assumed that a working wife would on the average spend three hours per day on household work. The value of Mrs. Meeks's present time is $15.00 per hour as a paralegal. ($31,254/2080) Thus, $15.00/hr x 3 hrs/day x 365 days/yr. = $16,425. 2. Projected at the same 5.7% increase and 3.3% discount. 3. Again, totals may be slightly off due to rounding. 9 - ·March 14, 1994 POLS 403 EVALUATING THE CASE SETTLE/PLEA BARGAIN OR GO TO TRIAL Questions to ask -How much is this going to cost? (money/time) -What kind of psychological impact will there be? -What are your chances of winning? . . Evaluation of this type is extremely important and will involve discussion with your attorney, other paralegals on the case, and the client. Objective and open discussion increase your chances of success in making the right decision. To begin, you should establish some objective criteria by which you can evaluate any case. criteria - - 1. 2. 3. 4. Can we win? (% chances) How much is involved? (time/money) What is our evidence? What are the clients wishes? SETTLEMENT Form 7.1 reflects basic negotiating concepts: You must know before starting the negotiation what you (and what you anticipate your opponent) would be satisfied with and what would be a "good" settlement. 7 - A planned opening demand. - Knowledge of the course of negotiations. Some thoughts are: - You must understand the needs, desires, concerns and fears of your client and your opponent. As plaintiff, your initial figure will be higher than you would be willing to settle for, but is within a realistic range. Concessions from you will come reluctantly and then will be small. You will continually emphasize fairness. If your opponent's response is to decline to make a counteroffer, attempt to draw a counteroffer by emphasizing that your proposal was sincere and thoughtful with a desire to settle the matter. A formal offer of settlement should be made and the response recorded. NEGOTIATION HISTORY My Response Will Be: Opponent's Demand/Response - - / / / / / -/ - / / / -/ -/ / / / / / SETTLEMENT WORKSHEET 7.1 OBJECTIVES The least my client should settle for is A "good" settlement for my client is My opponent will probably settle for The anticipated initial response/demand of my opponent is ________________ My initial response/demand will be MY NEGOTIATING IMAGE I will project an image of: Having complete knowledge of the facts. Being totally prepared to litigate. An ability and eagerness to try the case. Firmness - reasonableness is not for me, it's for the judge. Confidence in my ability and the client's cause. THE INTERESTS OF THE PARTIES My client's needs, desires, concerns and fears are: The opponent's-needs, desires, concerns and fears are: These interests can be reconciled by: I POSSIBLE ALTERNATIVE SOLUTIONS ARE: OBJECTIVE STANDARDS THAT COULD BE USED IN ACHIEVING A SETTLEMENT ARE: CONSEQUENCES If this case is not settled, the consequences to my opponent are: If this case is not settled, the consequences to my client are: THE 4 POINTS I WILL EMPHASIZE IN THE NEGOTIATIONS ARE: THE POINTS THE OPPONENT WILL EMPHASIZE ARE: His Points My Response Will Be: February 21, 1994 POLS 403 Legal Theory and a Plan How to begin: 1. 2. 3. 4. 5. 6. 7. 8. 9. get the facts organize the facts make a fact chronology break out the most. impol;tant facts that will motivate the trier of fact to rule in your favor a. appeal to common sense b. appeal to sense of fairness know which facts you must prove (do the same for your opponent) make a list of the facts most dangerous to your case identify your opponents general position do evidentiary research DEVELOP THE THEME Developing the Theme -- The theme is the summary of your case and should be concise (25 words or less). Your entire case should revol ve around this summary. Its important to prepare several themes in order to revise, expand, and elaborate. The theme that you choose will be the heart of your case. It is important to remember that perception is reality, and the jury will believe what they perceive to be true. Getting Started 1. 2. 3. 4. review your opponent's theme review your favorable facts brainstorm be creative, be bold, be honest, be blunt Revising the Theme 1. 2. 3. 4. 5. 6. 7. always be conscious of your opponent's position Is it logical/simple? Is it consistent with common sense? Is it understandable? will the facts, as perceived, support your theme. Does it appeal to fairness/equity? Does it overcome your opponent's favorable facts? Uses for your Theme ~ 1. 2. 3. 4. simplification of your case precise description of your position voir dire frame for your opening and closing statements OuLlillc' of - rh~rellse ['no'selll.aLioll 1• ., .-=- • J II :1 11 i L: I h' j 1 Jilt III S " I, F Ii:" n I )( '\ II B 1I c, ' Ii 1\ lI;l 1\ or I. I'holngr'f1ph fnd"c1. 1J~,~(' \vi III sir\'~li:dk ill tttlPstiotlj shoh's si.dE"h'nlk Ilnl'j 1,\'11 f(pll~,-'s rross ('~n.mill~lt,ioll. :Z. ('olld i, L j orr u r ~;III':IC'J" Sht'Ilr'Ic1r. \(,11 i,e 1.('. USc' S C" I'; j Lit "i t'Pr.' \.. f1I"'ILill~~'-' r:'~;11II i 11:11 i \..'1" nil f) f ('IUII'II's - 1. J.'l(':lLinn :llId ]",,~t.l1 of shid IIlHI:lu::;. h'i f h (">~;l'("rt-, as h'i I 11(" Po P, • " ;;,';d,-. lll'Hh'ing hilll ,'111 2, " f ' J) II i i ('I ~~ l' 1". of' hilllf'SH'''~ r,,!.I,',' nlltl \,he 1:\.y Cs r h' il",'r'o:;,'('1 i'''1 of I(il'b;,) HII!,l Hnlt.is h i l l h,-, 1I':c',<1 ("~c"pLinll f)f F. Bllclinllrln, 11. (fl!'IIIl, ,J. hilh til" (·rlrr.~IlI'·I'. II I' F' f~ i L" I' i " I \\' i f h (·It nil P S (' r ' \',' II i (' I r," Shl'Il('k'Jp's I" () r ,. I" ... ;) t. j nil ;llld I "'I"~ 11 1 ;1 (' I I (' '!~ \' I,ll i (' I I'. I ' ':: (> ~; ',- Use HiLh dC'pos.itioIl ,,(' (,,:,/"'1 f 1'1 I, i \ II ~;J;,id r;; p(-~ 1'\ Id I i r~' it f, It 0 ., r \\' S l("sLjmon~'. 1Il'l,'lv,: ;11 H I / () r ,'upl :l\""I':'g" r ,~: p (' l' L '~~ I 1r, l' '~I"'I',1 [I 0:; i I i () 11 "f' • ~----------------------------------------------------------- THINGS FOR ME TO DO NOW BY WEEKS BEFORE TRIAL By L}_I JLI t{ ~""""">..&<. _b{(~J'~ ___ ___ By -'±J 111 LLt ~~~ ~ ~li!67) I 0 II hJa't2 _LiJJ.1--_____ _ ~- Hy , ---- ...------- --- --- - - - - _. SHORTLY BEFORE AND AT START OF TRIAL ._________ . _. ______________ .' Hy __ 1_- / - !;l!~.~J.L"'ct ion--TO !,lQ V ~ _ _ D's auto ownership _ _ City directory info. _ Models ~ Corporate agents V Photos--P's injuries 3\ J Ic/L)t ~statement Photos--scene (aerial?) 3)llq~ d)dS)01 ~ .~ ~hotos-~ 3ill {I~ 9/;)3,l0tJ &. D' B vehicles _ _ Motion pictures .~ Statements--client/D 31' H~ ~ StatementB-~witnesses 31 q~. II~y)CjtJ 3\'1 £14 9 1~):~A4 ~ - an~ '~~;ical Newspaper articles/ photos ;} l)~ ){1~ Accident reports ~ .~ (21 \ecO ~ h 1t1~, Weather reports d id9 /0J 'ld4Iq~· '/ ~ /'14 3 h IqJ dIJl{I~~ Maps &. diagrams ;)/ ~ Books &. records ~ Hedical reports ~ Hospital records ~ ~ Coroner's <~ )Cj4~ 3)1)q4 J)II/Ill';'" Death certificate V'" II~ ,q.j report }111c/1' ~lluICj..J, ~~Il )q ~ I J;;)LJ}qt/' 3111 qt.} Laboratory reports ~)Jtt }qJ illus ~ Analyze V pleadings orders Amendments to pleadings _ __ ~Outline V of proof Jury list II. investigation ~oir dire outline ~Opening ~Witness ~Direct statement outline list &. SUbPoenas4!t/)q<..j ~ross-exam outline ~Rebuttal outline ~ury 3)l/5.t: I} dlf}tjf' witness conf. _ _ Property repair estimates _ _ _ ~Client conference ~inal argument outline ._.~ _~All I. ~ 4-'0 :~cent:. cib Irq 5. lJ...J\--e\l +\ 00 I \\Ve SA-I ~('''L 2. Db::J.rliC C\. I eLI Ii. '+D C)~i ~{'e \ O-t c\"+I'Yif~"{rI~ 3. LtJo y-: K IP \ b'i-'}\t?ry 4. . C\ 0\ ) ~ C\6~\:.l~ ct --tioV'n{? LjS . k. ~ tf/;dq~ ~ ~/qlq~ witnesses SUbpoenaed? YTrial outline completed Explanation!>: &. 1119tructions (Ref. to Nos. Above) +vICi.{ ~~ -+1'lcJ. VExpert witness conf. V Otlwl' spec ia 1 dunt:l,:(es ~ instructions &. authority VTrial brief 3)~If:;)q4 +) II )0 <-J '-// IL Jc'f!/ #. ,Ill qy ~"V fa) tJ1tlJC)L{ 4-/ tJ& fj J/Jq t.J 'I/! J/qJ exam outline . . / Exhibit index 5\l\Ctt.l djl(}/Ciq- ~Lay Lost-income verification ci! ILclq~ ~ty N<I Wk1< blJ )q~ ~)'Xh+ issues &. research II. 3/7 )0</ :;; ).~5/0~ i/aY/14 //9LJjq<j of facts ~Outline ~ Medical expenses-past/future 3 1719+ Blowups--document evidence Xrays Completed ,R.7J!l:L I}JI.I/q.{ Expert's repol'ts V V .!leudlin~ j)JJJi':-i _2fWqtj - , .' CASE IN A NUTSHELL WHY You will find it helpful to be able to summarize the case in a few sentences: to the Court: at hearings, on motions, and at other pre-trial matters. to the potential witnesses in, interviews and trial preparation . ! ,. .. ' 1', to the jury in voir dire. to ultimately incorporate into your opening statement and closing argument. HOW The summary should be structured so as to pose the Issue fairly, but favorably. should incorporate the one or two facts most persuasive your position . or . ' Example: "This is a divorce case where 75% of the marital estate in this 8 year marriage came from gifts and inheritances from the wife's parents. The cou.rt's task is to decide how much of the marital estate is to be given to the husband." FACTS On this form you will record the facts underlying your client's case. At this point, do concern yourself with organizing the facts in any particular fashion - just get all the f. down on paper. ' - 1.1 CASE IN A NUTSHELL WORKSHEET 1. ISSUE i till . 2. ,J1ff'/ } d a,)71;. (~ 12Qft ,?;ti t ,9Cj;}: FACTS The 1 or 2 facts most persuasive of my client's position are: - 3. tiu(l2/U<Jt,1. Pert!.);:, bcdi5 iL~ 1J 'I/!)1d Ii!cnp ,dl/JrL1,N' ,[,"OYy1 ,bl1r RESTATEMENT A fair, but favorable summary of this case and the issue is: I Patti/V),£1 fA i,hiD ' 1;'t4../!ftrL.,j,'f v 'va (lr.1.d~ Jll . {A)£ljJ l-LwuJJUltt,r due u./'!\Ll.(}-u{·dlLtiv (. 11 ..t!dl{>u 011 ;l;t~ j m/zi 779~£" aw,,,- ~. ~~1l ..c.lla MLf- b>P,1;;t:'i?,i ch.iJ7 dLL~ __ ' 1 J 1~ /zll.£l .02£L(JC~ ,(j, ~"ffdld}zjf1 'i~<__ :1JJ_~tzDI,Yl vL!J:...~_ -.iJ.llJ:;I-LL~..)6.~ - r (PW-c~ _A'}.4.Q__~t_CUl_£i._~~ilLJ:wlli2._.AIlfi_L.La.i..d~,dJ.JA.iif/l-% .a. .- v-~_UthK1L_, __ hJlJJ._._~~dJ.. _L1)_ .±1lW___~JiLf.L .. :p--W!J~_ JiL.dlv.Jg4C~._.- .-J\tt1}1~ 1~U fYI):t.llc 'fCLV:. C{ '-(YUtb- PDtt.0t ..Lt rei c(;'lLt U.U/? /f}.J_JJl rLt cz C::Vf<"<"1' ~~. ' FACT CHRONOLOGY WHAT Here, you will arrange the facts bearing on the case In chronological order. HOW When In doubt the chronology will Include a fact rather than omitting it. As the case progresses the chronology will be revised as you learn more about the case. The chronolcxJ':i will always include the materials covered in sections 4 and 5. Your initial draft of +fit:. chronology should leave ample space between entries to facilitate insertion of additiorol facts. In complex cases the witnesses, documents and other back-up sources of the facts noted so that I:ater the source can be easily pinpointed. WHY The chronology will be useful: in giving an overview of the facts and to prevent an Important fact from be overlooked. in your witness preparation. in assuring that all important facts have been obtained from the client. in preparing opening statement and closing arguments. in determining the order In which witnesses will be called. FACT CHRONOLOGY WORKSHEET 2.1 The facts which bear on this case in chronological order are: FACT/CIRCUMSTANCE 3 ~ 3) 3.'46 SOURCE ...0/\£ eM Q.f d fU.{L ~_itLJYYlaili-~f]_~fuJ.:i11vJ____________ - .-4-4. __ k·_PilltLl~ ____________________ ~t(r--- _____________________________ 11w"J _____ _ MY MOST IMPORTANT FACTS Out of the universe of facts that may be relevant to the case, you must select those wh are truly important. A Judge or jury is only able to appreciate and retain a portion of evidence presented. You must Identify those facts which are going to motivate the trier to decide in y< client's favor. Most of the time these will be facts which create an appeal to justice, equity, e common sense . Of course you must not overlook the necessity of presenting evidence wh will support the legal requirements of your claim or defense. - - MY MOST IMPORTANT FACTS WORKSHEET 3.1 MOTIVATING FACTS The 10 or 15 facts which are most likely to motivate the trier of facts to rule in my client's favor, and which would appeal to one's sense of fairness, justice and common sense are: WITNESS/DOCUMENT I. d. Ie< fdtiL'v.~. lxldc, c!:t'oo.xuci:Ck . C, rU'aa \aC yX/ d,(otu//l<!c, ,'i~>YII :,tj(.£ Stvr.a<.k.tR J~~~~~~~~~~~~~UA~~~~__________+4~~~~~~_ ,L It} , -StV@~J2£.f Q./-yi!.1 f Ct ctf'Lot a Ifi .L,.L.Ao.~~~~~_+=-~';;..:;.lc.=CL~k=l~f_._ __ 7- , Qiw IJhizur:o a. '1]]?1rl..LQ1J a LEGAL REQUIREMENTS Other facts which I must prove to satisfy the legal requirements of my claim or defense are: WITNESS/DOCUMENT .- MY OPPONENT'S MOST IMPORTANT FACTS Proper preparation requires that you anticipate the facts that your opponent will prese This prevents surprise and enables you to feel comfortable when that evidence comes Most importantly, identifying the opponent's facts will permit you to rebut those facts if they c not true or to blunt their effect If they are true. A knowledge of your opponent's facts is al necessary for effective witness preparation • - . - MY OPPONENT'S MOST IMPORTANT FACTS WORKSHEET MOTIVATING~r~'A~C_T~~S 4.1 ___________________________________________________ The facts most harmful to my client's case, which my opponent may attempt to prove are: t£l.1..1Jill:i.L-W _.0 ca.d /r:ot nfJuaf/ O?!/JR h f d / (net (heu{ r(pi/l tUlJ if) . fzca fi it2 1jrf.at ~:){LCceOQ. lY1l1l7 Cki.l f!Yz t('!:f.ro Am ill/' ,KotJ1f/2Lrt U/UAJ Ohi C~cULI<. a jl£)ILftJ 'b X27w (jU7 L71 jJu. fA,'] tUQcJ!4tJlat THE GENERAL POSITIONS MY OPPONENT WILL TAKE ARE: THE LEGAL REQUIREMENTS OF MY OPPONENT'S CLAIM OR DEFENSE WHICH HE MAY HAVE DIFFICULTY IN PROVING ARE: !dw:-ecJ..ud (I~ (rLl~') L111Gt;07 , :Ot, dL\.<ud tv (LOR /-z.erJ£)(/oa.)oiJ Cah; eu:;u I RESPONSE I will defeat my opponent's position by showing that his facts are not as he pictures them or I will avoid their impact. Specifically, I will: til ~~-- ~::iYt.fdtJ; oJ!y.a LL:J -'.~f:1.i:J1.l:~~ __ .!J)fA..!~---- - - ------,LiilIh'-:1J~_J::i1t_-_-AL~7_. ___'lt-__ '1!L~::J~_{f;j:;&./l. ----------iU;Q - -- -.-- ._-----_._----- -_.- - - . - - - . - -------.----_.- -. ---- ._----- ---- --- - - -- - .-. -- - ------ -- -- -- --.- - _. - -_._--_ .. =================. _-=-=-==..===--_. ._--- ._._-. "' ---.--.------- -~--- ----. . .__ ... _-_•._---------- THEME OF THE CASE The most important and productive 20 minutes of trial preparation will be spent selecting an appropriate theme. The theme of the case is the answer you would give if ask to explain in 20 words or less why your client's position Is meritorious. The theme is the basic concept which everything at trial Is going to revolve around. If t whole case is the body, the theme is the spine. It Is the equivalent of the headline in newspaper article - It's the central message. You are going to prevail because of what the trier of facts perceives the facts to be. Y will not win because of eloquence or an exciting cross-examination. Prevail by showing tt the result you dl3sire will serve justice. It's the "right" decision. Satisfying the legal requil ments of a claim or defense is not enough to prevail. It takes courage and good sense to ruthlessly discard all but the most important parts the case. Responding to the fear that the trier will make his decision on an obscure po results in a scatter-gun approach; one whose impact is defused. - - - THEME OF THE CASE WORKSHEET DONE My Facts Review the favorable facts listed in Form 3-1 which you believe are most likely to motivate a decision favorable to your client. Opponent's Facts Review the unfavorable facts listed in Form 4-1 which you anticipate your 0 onent will seek to rove. Possible Theme List 2 or3 possible themes drawn from your favorable facts. Brainstorm and think boldly and creatively. The fine tuning and deep thinking can come later. 1. LU K I -iJ7ce ,lit le Db --rr.Jv;;J' ft.~«-t/l '--(K{z A. (}vyn; AWN ~{M'72c/ J.rUU£4);CY15 y:x CUd\t?kh3. Revised Theme Review the possible themes to harmonize one with the other or to make one of them a logical sub-part of another or simply choose the strongest of the possible themes. The revised theme reads: ------_.- ------_._-------------------+--_._-- ...,-------- .. --- --_._._..__._-----_ ....- ... _- "--'- - .. - - - - -_. -.------..- - . ----_._------ POSSIBLE THEMES FOR THE DEFENSE c. Shrackle Defense 1. We, the defense, agree that the unfortunate death of Katherine Potter is a tragedy; however, due to actions on the part of Mrs Potter this accident was unavoidable. She clearly breached her duty as a pedestrian to cross the street with caution. Charles Shrackle acted as he should as a cautious and lawful driver of a motor vehicle. The facts in this case will prove contributory negligence on the part of Mrs. Potter and free our client of any liability. 2. We are in agreement that Katherine Potter's death is a tragic one; however, due to actions by Mrs. Potter, the accident of November 3D, 1992, was unavoidable. Evidence will show that Mrs Potter was struck some distance from the crosswalk and that Charles Shrackle was driving as a normal and cautious motorist. Katherine Potter was contributorily negligent relieving any liability from the defense. - February 7, 1994 POLS 403 notes Investigation 1. Direct Direct investigation is used to get the facts and get the facts as quickly as possible. It is usually the gathering of pertinent documents and witnesses to the accident or action in question. Investigations should be as completely thorough as possible. Most times it is as simple as asking questions and piggybacking on the work of others like insurance companies and newspapers. It is important to include the client in this process, but do not allow the client to control the information. YOU decide what is of importance. Do not assume that all of the information you get is correct either. Read everything and make any necessary corrections. a. information to obtain - -accident reports/police reports -driving records -coroner's report -medical histories and hospital records -news reports -weather information -insurance policies -tax returns *Know your rights to find this information under FOIA (Freedom of Information Act) 2. Indirect Indirect investigation compliments the facts obtained in direct investigation by working to add human opinion and perception to them. It is important here to make an effort to think critically, analytically, and creatively about the facts. a. things to do -go to the scene yourself/get a feel for the environment--Could things have happened like the statements say? -Act out the occurrences -get measurem.ents and video tape the accident from your point of view -have client keep a diary of their injuries - My name is id1lDJY-tl d My address is lCj Ie ke.=,.:.....:../I-=fL/'--_ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ __ 6ldey Ivn. IJlhi. &kl1 I My phone number is ~5=.~S~':~-)_-~/~~~_\3=_ I am/~~ related to or invol ve r--tfl the acc ident. I ____________________________________ acquainted with any of the parties have previously made statements regarding the accident to To the best of my knowledge and recollection, the accident k, vbq (Jt Je:x -fL.. m. I on at approximately -=3~:~~3E~J_____________ o'clock During the accident, I ob::=;erved the following: VJ 4f/1/){('.£ d d.JU. \QtC(2, /)."H1.1./n V2 }].Laht1 a~ -kiVA, .fjf --tf1J - QA.c;P* s i ~"" d rn·,ck d, "--/2)/2 .n ' ru.i~"':t· mtt.a·· .... INVESTIGATION ----------_._._--WHAT DID FRIENDS? _ YOU KNOW OF PLAINTIFF'S PERSONAL LIFE \HTII FAMILY & (SUMMARIZE) --A~,~u~W~j~'7~/~a~11r~'------____________________________ ._-----_._"_ , .. _------._------_. DESCRIBE \-JllAT YOU OBSERVED ABOUT THE PLAINTIFF THAT CHANGED AFTER THE INJURY. (GIVE SPECIFIC EXAMPLES IF POSSIBLE, i. e., STOPPED BOWLING, FACE SHOWED TENSION, PAIN, ETC.) IN REGARD TO APPEARANCE IN REGARD TO WORK MISSED, WORK DIFFICULTIES ! ...- - - - IN REGARD TO RECREATIONAL ACTIVITIES --------------------------.------- ----------------_._--._----IN REGARD TO IImlE ACTIVITIES (NO HORE GARDENING, SEHING, LAHN CARE, ETC. ) ____ _______________._. _______ .. ____ .. __ ...... _. ____ . _. ________._ _ ._._____._ .' _____ . -- --_ •... __.._--- -_._--- "-" .. - ._----- - ...• ---- ._-_.. __ .... _--_.- ._.. _--.- ......_._-- --_._----------------:;::---- -------_._--_._/' - -"---'--'-- - My name is My address iJJKe_hl(L~ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ __ ~,euille is P('. i3cy; I d3 My phone number is 3'73- U{)lct ----------------------------------------------- I am/~ ~8..0 related to or involve 1n the accident. I acquainted with any of the parties have previously made statements regarding the accident to To the best of my knowledge and recollection, the accident NCcfu5 was at ,/ L3D/CjJ ~.m: Qilci kl vlJ.~ Clve)5 LSisLu at approximately CL,('Y1er- 0+ .3'. ;}5 ink6eC+Ui~1 __ on Ha.tfis i During the accident, I observed the following: \.[) :.lJuL,)xp-A/nd ,- (f[;CI21 a {if:) (Pzeaud tL J/} 2( ,') M (Lw hli.& . 0' clock INVESTIGATION WIIAT DID FRIENDS? YOU KNOW OF (SUMMARIZE) PLAINTIFF'S PERSONAL LIFE \HTII FAMILY & - ------------------.-----.---------------------------- --------, DESCRIBE WHAT YOU OBSERVED ABOUT THE PLAINTIFF THAT CHANGED AFTER THE INJURY. (GIVE SPECIFIC EXAMPLES IF POSSIBLE, i. e., STOPPED BOWLING, FACE SHOWED TENSION, PAIN, ETC.) IN REGARD TO APPEARANCE ,--- IN REGARD TO WORK MISSED, WORK DIFFICUL IN REGARD TO RECREATIONA ACTIVITIES ----------------------- --7--- --------------------- - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - --------------------------------------------IN REGARD T HmlE ACTIVITIES (NO NORE GARDENING, SEWING, LAWN CARE. ETC. l _____________ .___ _________________________________________________________________ _ .•;;<-=- . . :.•. . . . . .-.• •. =~--~~-:-~:=-:~~~=-.:-::.=--: ~-~=~:~-:-•• . . \,0 . ki!..efJ:~ »{jL L :;(1U2 -*.l70I "--(r:;\v:) CLc,c t ci.t'}U:: I - ...•- Rtf::ttf7 _. . _ ... -.-... .. _.. __.- ~m c) .. _........ - .. -_.. {tLUtLud"- -_ ..... - - My name i s ~~ ____b--ksLYL (-,-I-----,-=-l--l-f:iJ..U...IA My ad d res s i s _---1-1=(0-""'-0-'-1 My phone number is --I-M-.J..Ia.",-,A,,-,-b-I-C5~_--L.tJ=.!-'-1t;~(.L=-~C~L,,"-+L....:\.J"'I--_ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ __ 5:5;) - 0033 --~~--~~~------------------------------------ I am~~ related to or involved in the accident. I --L·/~e}L~a~c~Q'J~___ 1 '-=..5 VL-=:Stii!l...l])w:lo....lIL..:...- acquainted with any of the parties have previously made statements regarding the accident to To the best of my knowledge and recollection, the accident was a t ~fu II 130lq~l I hlo on +h~ and ki at approximately ~~~!_,1)=-_____________ o'clock nj.ev;5t'-cbon of ,k-y ~.m. At that time I was CVn ,- L!:/Yl Cd /iJ! . liJVJ. PLY24J l1YL'YlLL6 eia....:tcQ1....: hc<b.LU! CLVh-&- '-fJ Prior to the. accident, I observed the following: ahA,) CV j L)-fYY)lt301 rAja i. AQ,Ll1% v.tJ.Di: tmr)J (J ~/)Q1I ~h ,..f'\a.H J?- JW (IV (/ 0-t cU dna ,Q.£ - I ( Other observations and comments: ----.------.----.----- - ._--- -----.--.- ._-_._--_._-----_._----------------_.----- ----------- - . - - -.