In personal injury litigation, one of the most complex tasks is determining the financial impact of an injury. This complexity becomes even more pronounced in catastrophic injury cases, where the consequences on a person’s ability to work, earn an income, and maintain a quality life can be substantial. In such instances, vocational assessments and expert witness services are indispensable tools for evaluating the financial ramifications of the injury. Occupational Assessment Services (OAS) specializes in conducting vocational evaluations and providing expert testimony, helping attorneys present clear, convincing evidence in court.
With more than 50 years of experience, OAS has established itself as a trusted provider of vocational assessments, life care plans, and expert witness services. We support legal professionals in documenting the financial losses caused by injuries or disabilities. Our services span a wide range of legal matters, including workers' compensation, Social Security disability claims, veterans' disability, matrimonial disputes, and catastrophic injury cases. OAS operates nationwide and offers remote assessments, ensuring convenience and accessibility.
What Is a Vocational Assessment?
A vocational assessment is a thorough evaluation that measures an individual’s ability to perform work tasks after sustaining an injury or disability. This evaluation considers the person’s physical, mental, and emotional abilities, determining how the injury has impacted their ability to return to their previous job or pursue other employment options.
Vocational assessments are particularly vital in catastrophic injury cases, as they provide a clear estimation of the loss of earning capacity. These assessments use interviews, standardized testing, and a detailed review of the individual’s medical and employment history to evaluate how the injury affects their ability to work.
At OAS, we employ advanced tools and techniques to conduct comprehensive vocational assessments. Our team has extensive experience in evaluating how different types of injuries—whether physical, cognitive, or emotional—impact an individual’s work abilities. Based on these findings, we provide clear recommendations regarding whether the person can return to their original role, transition to a new position, or if the injury has permanently affected their earning potential.
Life Care Plans: Forecasting Long-Term Care Needs
Catastrophic injuries often lead to long-term medical and financial challenges that extend well beyond immediate medical bills and lost wages. Many individuals require ongoing care, rehabilitation, and other forms of assistance throughout their lives. A life care plan is essential in these cases, as it provides a detailed projection of the medical and financial needs that will arise as a result of the injury. The plan includes future medical treatments, therapies, special equipment, and accommodations that will be required for the person’s ongoing care.
At OAS, we work alongside medical professionals to develop comprehensive life care plans. We ensure that all aspects of the person’s long-term care are considered, including medical treatment, mobility aids, and necessary home modifications. By accounting for the projected progression of the injury, we provide a precise estimate of the financial resources needed to cover the individual’s future care requirements.
Expert Witness Services: Providing Clear and Credible Testimony
The true value of vocational assessments and life care plans becomes evident when they are presented in court. Expert witnesses play a vital role in explaining these evaluations and helping the court fully understand the extent of the damages. Expert witnesses provide testimony based on their specialized knowledge, ensuring that the financial impact of the injury is communicated in a clear and comprehensible manner.
With decades of experience, OAS is well-equipped to offer expert witness testimony for a wide range of legal cases. Our team has provided support in cases involving catastrophic injuries, divorce, workers' compensation claims, Social Security disability hearings, and veterans' disability claims. We specialize in delivering objective, reliable testimony that is easily understandable by both legal professionals and jurors.
Our vocational experts excel at simplifying complex information, ensuring that juries fully grasp the financial impact of the injury. This clarity is essential, particularly when the financial consequences are significant, and the court must make informed decisions regarding compensation.
Serving a Broad Spectrum of Legal Cases
In addition to personal injury cases, OAS offers vocational assessments and expert testimony for a wide range of legal matters, including:
Matrimonial & Divorce Cases: In divorce cases, vocational assessments play a key role in determining spousal support or alimony. A vocational expert can assess whether one spouse is underemployed or if an injury or disability has affected their ability to earn a living. This helps establish fair financial support during the divorce process.
Social Security Disability: For individuals applying for Social Security Disability benefits, a vocational assessment is crucial to supporting their claim. The evaluation helps determine if the claimant is capable of engaging in substantial gainful activity. OAS ensures that eligible individuals receive the benefits they deserve.
Workers' Compensation: In workers' compensation cases, vocational assessments help determine if an injured worker can return to their former job or if retraining for a new occupation is necessary. These evaluations also assist in assessing lost wages and future earning potential, which is crucial in determining appropriate compensation.
Veterans' Disability: Veterans who sustain injuries during their service often experience long-term physical and mental health issues that impact their ability to work. OAS specializes in vocational assessments and life care plans designed to meet the unique needs of veterans, ensuring they receive the proper compensation and care.
Nationwide Services with Remote Accessibility
One of the key benefits of working with OAS is our ability to offer nationwide services. We conduct remote assessments and interviews, making our services accessible to legal professionals and clients across the country. This approach removes geographic barriers, ensuring clients can access the expertise they need no matter where they are located.
Why Choose an Experienced Vocational Expert?
When it comes to evaluating the financial consequences of an injury or disability on an individual’s work life and earning capacity, it is vital to work with an experienced vocational expert. With over five decades of experience, OAS is dedicated to providing thorough, objective evaluations and expert testimony. Our team is committed to offering reliable and accurate assessments that will help attorneys build a strong case.
By partnering with OAS, attorneys gain access to detailed vocational assessments, life care plans, and expert testimony that clearly illustrate the financial losses sustained by an individual due to their injury. This is particularly important when the financial impact is central to the case and must be clearly demonstrated.
Contact OAS Today
If you are an attorney handling a case that requires vocational assessments, life care plans, or expert witness services, contact Occupational Assessment Services today. With more than 50 years of experience and a team of skilled professionals, we are here to help you navigate the complexities of your case and ensure that the damages are presented clearly and effectively.
Call 1-800-292-1919 to learn how OAS can assist with vocational assessments, life care plans, and expert witness services. Let OAS be your trusted partner in ensuring your client’s financial losses are accurately represented in court.
