Keith Carter & Associates have been providing expert evidence in cases relating to the self-employed and those running small businesses since 1984.
Indeed, KCA have dealt with over 900 such cases during this time, a growing proportion of which are by joint instruction.
The cases we deal with typically require an assessment of lost earnings and altered career prospects. Expert employment evidence is particularly valuable in cases regarding the self-employed because it can be used to clarify the very complex range of influences which affect the earnings of the self-employed. In most cases, our analysis aims to establish a pattern of earnings which the claimant might have looked forward to if the accident had not occurred. On this basis, quantum can be evaluated either by reference to industry trends or by plotting the claimant’s “economic worth”.
Meeting clients’ needs
Assessment of past and future earnings: we take into account not just income, profits and losses, but also the way in which earnings have been treated for tax purposes, for example, as there may have been opportunities to offset certain business expenses against tax.
Assess claimant’s professional ability: the competence of the professional or tradesperson in whichever skills are being marketed is crucial when assessing quantum and career development.
Consider competitors: local (and sometimes national) competitors should be considered because of their impact on the claimant’s business
Study the economic context: this is particularly important in self-employed cases as income levels may fluctuate according to the strength of the local economy, the macro-economy and the state of key business sectors.
Make comparisons: we look at the earnings and career development patterns of those performing similar work in full-time and permanent employment. We also compare the claimant’s earnings with Inland Revenue data on different sectors and occupations specific to each case.
Self-employment post-accident: a flexible work environment may be particularly important to people after an accident. Self-employment might therefore be an option for people who have some disability and we would assess their earning capacity and possibly the costs of establishing and maintaining such a business or venture.
Solicitors who have instructed us in this field:
Amery-Parkes Badhams Thompson Berrymans Lace Mawer Bevan Ashford Boyes Turner & Burrows David Levene E Edwards Son & Noice Hammond Suddards Kingsley Napley Kennedys Lawford & Co Prince Evans Rowley Ashworth Thompsons Shoosmiths Wolferstans
Information normally required from instructing solicitor:
Medical reports
Claimant’s accounts
Claimant’s statement
Claimant’s CV
Statement of Claim
KCA questionnaire
We are always happy to discuss how we may assist in a particular case.
Please contact us on:
Telephone: 020 7697 1500
Fax: 020 7700 3819
e-mail: info@keithcarter.co.uk
web: www.keithcarter.co.uk
