In personal injury cases, the hedonic damages economic model has been used in courts throughout the country to value the loss of society and companionship to survivors. “Hedonic value” refers to that part of life’s worth which is separate from the financial value, such as lost earnings. In these cases, the concept of hedonic value is used to measure the diminution of the value of life as a consequence of trauma, separate from the palpable pain and suffering of the trauma itself. Through economic expert testimony, awards become more predictable, leading to more settlements, less litigation, and hence lower insurance premiums. Appropriate and reasoned jury awards often result from such expert witness testimony.