When a plaintiff's earnings history is limited, incomplete, or disputed, industry-level average weekly earnings data provides a reliable benchmark for what workers in their sector typically earn. Understanding how forensic accountants use this data can strengthen the credibility of an economic loss assessment.

Discount rates of 4%, 6%, 7%, and 8% are used in a range of legal and commercial contexts beyond the standard 3% and 5% rates seen in NSW personal injury claims. Understanding when these higher rates apply — and what difference they make — is an important part of any present value analysis.

Motor accidents in NSW after 1 December 2017 fall under a different legislative scheme from earlier claims. The Motor Accident Injuries Act 2017 introduced a no-fault statutory benefits structure with its own caps, thresholds, and indexed amounts that must be correctly applied.

Not all future costs in a personal injury claim arise weekly. One-off future expenses like surgery, equipment replacement, and home modifications require a deferred lump sum calculation — and the method is different from the approach used for ongoing losses.

Economic loss in NSW personal injury matters is calculated on a net wage basis, after income tax. Getting the net figure right requires applying the correct tax rates for each financial year — and since those rates changed in 2024, outdated tables will produce incorrect results.