Trials are challenging, and deadlines must be met.  In a case over the damages relating to the Estate of Steinbeck, the Plaintiff was successful.  The Plaintiff secured $5.25 million at trial.  And $7.9 million in punitive damages.  However, the award for punitive damages was overturned due to insufficient evidence of the defendant’s financial condition.  See Kaffaga v. Estate of Steinbeck (9th Cir. 2019) 938 F.3d 1006.  Although there was evidence of projects resulting from appropriation of Steinbeck’s work, the Plaintiff did not present a detailed accounting to show an ability by the defendant to pay any specific punitive damage award.  Specifically, the Plaintiff should have retained an expert in accounting to testify on the defendant’s net worth.  Without that evidence the court of appeals could not uphold the award.  This case demonstrates the importance of financial damage experts in any and all cases, and the importance of preparing for success at trial.  Tremendous efforts go in to proving liability and prevailing, but preparing for success after proving an intentional tort cannot be overlooked.