Case Studies: Damage Calculations

#1:  Lost Income, Damages, Business Valuation, Forensic Accounting, Settled

Several years ago, several fires raced through Southern California pushed to the ocean by fierce Santa Ana winds.  In the path of the fire storm were hundreds of homes and businesses.  Some of the fires were either started or fed by the alleged negligence of various parties.  The result was claims filed against the negligent parties and Arxis was contacted by the law firms handling the plaintiff’s litigation.  Arxis was retained to calculate lost income damages and, for completely destroyed businesses, valuations of the business immediately prior to the destruction of the business.

Each of the cases was settled successfully without requiring lengthy litigation.  Arxis, by preparing accurate, complete, and reasonable damage calculations assisted the parties in resolving the dispute.

#2:  Forensic Accounting, Damage Calculations, Expert Testimony

Arxis was retained to provide forensic accounting and damage calculation analysis in a breach of contract matter and a shareholder dispute involving several companies.  After analysis of accounting and financial records Arxis proposed a theory of damages and evidence presentation.  The client and counsel agreed to the approach.

After the damage analysis was done, extensive testimony was provided at deposition and trial.  The result was a verdict in favor of the client.  The court noted in the decision the following regarding the work of Arxis: “It should be said that Mr. Hamilton, especially under cross-examination, exhibited good knowledge of the companies in the dispute…”

#3:  Elder Abuse, Fraud, Forensic Accounting, Expert Testimony

Plaintiff’s counsel contacted Arxis for assistance in an elder abuse case.  Over the period of several years several real properties and cash had been stolen and re-titled.  Arxis was retained to recreate the accounting for several years, quantify the loss, and provide testimony in support of the conclusions and opinions reached as a result of our work.  Trial was held in Superior Court and the testimony from Arxis was a central element of the case that was presented in a bench trial.

The court ruled in favor of the elderly couple and ordered a return of the stolen assets.