The Cook Illinois Jury Instruction — Net Worth Method is a legal guideline used in the Cook County court system, specifically for determining damages in civil cases involving personal injury or wrongful death. This method helps the jury calculate the monetary compensation owed to the plaintiff based on the net worth of the defendant. In cases where the defendant's wrongdoing caused harm to the plaintiff, the jury is responsible for assessing the financial damages that will adequately compensate the injured party. The net worth method focuses on evaluating the defendant's financial position and ability to pay, taking into account their assets, liabilities, income, and expenses. By employing the Cook Illinois Jury Instruction — Net Worth Method, the jury can determine an appropriate award amount that considers both the severity of the injury or loss suffered by the plaintiff and the defendant's financial standing. It ensures that the compensation aligns with the defendant's ability to pay while still adequately compensating the victim. Different types or variations of the Cook Illinois Jury Instruction — Net Worth Method may include: 1. Basic Net Worth Method: This version of the method involves a straightforward calculation by assessing the defendant's net worth at the time of the trial. It considers the value of all their assets, such as real estate, investments, vehicles, and business interests, minus their liabilities, such as debts or mortgages. 2. Historical Net Worth Method: In some instances, the jury may use the historical net worth method, which assesses the defendant's net worth at a specific point in the past. This approach is primarily used when the injury or wrongful act occurred at a previous time, allowing the jury to evaluate the defendant's financial status at that specific moment. 3. Projected Net Worth Method: In cases where there is evidence suggesting that the defendant's net worth might substantially change in the future, the jury can employ the projected net worth method. It involves estimating the defendant's future financial worth by considering factors such as anticipated growth, income changes, investments, and projected financial circumstances. Overall, the Cook Illinois Jury Instruction — Net Worth Method plays a crucial role in ensuring a fair and just compensation for plaintiffs in civil cases. It allows juries to consider the financial capacity of the defendant while striving to provide appropriate restitution for the harm suffered by the injured party.