Jacobs v. U.S.A and Deductions in FTCA Cases

For personal injury and wrongful death computations, the usual rule is for forensic economists to ignore payments that the plaintiff receives in the form of collateral source benefits. However, a recent decision in federal court provides a clear analysis of applicable collateral sources and allowable deductions in Federal Tort Claims Act (FTCA) cases. Specifically, the findings of fact and conclusions of law in Jacobs v. United States, 2013 U.S. Dist. LEXIS 91776 (D. AZ 2013) show the legal analysis and application of Medicaid benefits as deductions from medical expense claims when the U.S. is the defendant.