Select one of the following (either Fringe Benefits or Example Disability/Economic Damages Claim) and address the associated questions:

1. Fringe Benefits

i) What are fringe benefits?

ii) What are some common components of fringe benefits?

iii) Should fringe benefits be used in the computation of economic damages in a wrongful discharge case? Why or why not?

iv) Describe briefly some of the commonly used theories for the inclusion of fringe benefits in the computation of economic damages.

2. Example Disability/Economic Damages Claim

Paula Williams was on the way to work when she was hit broadside by a truck that ran a red light. Paula suffered twenty-seven broken bones, numerous lacerations, and a variety of other medical problems. Ms. Williams was in the hospital for two months and has been recovering at home for the past four months. She is certain she will never be able to work again. At the time of the accident, Ms. Williams was 35 years old. The insurance company for the trucking company that hit Ms. Williams is not sure if she is completely disabled, and it intends to contest that issue. You have been hired as a financial expert witness by the attorney of Ms. Williams to assist in this case. You have visited Ms. Williams several times and you are certain she is never going to return to her pre-accident health.

i) What is your role in supporting Ms. Williams's disability claim?

ii) What are the possible/probable components of Ms. Williams's economic damage claim?

iii) What information will you seek from Ms. Williams and her lawyer, and what information/research will you pursue on your own?