The Suffolk New York Jury Instruction — Net Worth Method is a legal procedure used in determining damages in personal injury and wrongful death cases in Suffolk County, New York. This method is employed when it is challenging to establish the exact financial losses suffered by the plaintiff or their family. In the Suffolk New York legal system, the Net Worth Method involves a calculation that takes into account the defendant's overall net worth. It aims to evaluate the economic impact of the plaintiff's injury or death by comparing the defendant's financial status before and after the incident. Through the Net Worth Method, the jury considers the following factors: 1. Defendant's Assets: The jury assesses the net worth of the defendant, including all assets such as real estate, investments, business interests, and personal property. 2. Liabilities and Debts: The jury also considers any outstanding debts or liabilities owed by the defendant that may impact their net worth calculation. 3. Inferred Income: This method allows the jury to infer the defendant's income and financial resources if they do not have complete information about it. 4. Comparative Analysis: By comparing the defendant's financial position before and after the incident, the jury can estimate the impact of the plaintiff's injury or death on the defendant's net worth. Different types of Suffolk New York Jury Instruction — Net Worth Method: 1. Standard Net Worth Method: This is the basic application of the Net Worth Method, where the jury calculates damages solely based on the defendant's net worth. 2. Modified Net Worth Method: In certain cases, the jury may adjust the damages' calculation by considering additional factors like the plaintiff's earning capacity, inflation, or non-economic damages. 3. Collateral Source Rule: Under this approach, the jury is instructed not to deduct any compensation the plaintiff has received from other sources, such as insurance, when assessing damages through the Net Worth Method. 4. Multiple Defendants: If there are multiple defendants involved, the jury may apply the Net Worth Method individually to each defendant to calculate their respective share of the damages. The Suffolk New York Jury Instruction — Net Worth Method aims to ensure fair compensation for the plaintiff by considering the financial capacity and responsibility of the defendant. It provides a structured approach to determining damages when specific financial evidence is limited or difficult to obtain.