Determining the financial impact of an injury is one of the most complicated aspects of personal injury litigation. This process becomes even more intricate in catastrophic injury cases, where the effects on a person’s ability to work, earn an income, and sustain their lifestyle can be far-reaching. In such cases, vocational assessments and expert witness services play a crucial role in evaluating the full financial impact of the injury. Occupational Assessment Services (OAS) specializes in conducting vocational evaluations and providing expert testimony to help attorneys present clear, compelling evidence in court.
With over 50 years of experience, OAS is a trusted provider of vocational assessments, life care plans, and expert witness services. Our expertise assists legal professionals in documenting the financial losses caused by injuries or disabilities. We offer services in a variety of legal areas, including workers' compensation, Social Security disability claims, veterans' disability, matrimonial disputes, and catastrophic injury cases. OAS operates nationwide and provides remote assessments to ensure convenience and accessibility for clients.
What Is a Vocational Assessment?
A vocational assessment is an in-depth evaluation that measures an individual’s ability to perform work-related tasks following an injury or disability. This assessment takes into account the person’s physical, cognitive, and emotional abilities and assesses how the injury has impacted their capacity to return to their previous job or explore other employment opportunities.
In catastrophic injury cases, vocational assessments are essential for quantifying the loss of earning capacity. These assessments incorporate interviews, standardized testing, and a comprehensive review of medical and employment histories to determine how the injury affects a person’s ability to work.
At OAS, we use advanced methods and tools to conduct detailed vocational assessments. Our team is highly skilled in assessing how various types of injuries—whether physical, cognitive, or emotional—impact an individual’s ability to perform job functions. Based on these evaluations, we provide clear recommendations about whether the individual can return to their previous job, transition to another role, or if the injury has permanently impaired their earning potential.
Life Care Plans: Estimating Future Care Requirements
Catastrophic injuries often result in long-term medical and financial challenges that go beyond immediate medical bills and lost wages. Many individuals require ongoing care, rehabilitation, and support throughout their lives. A life care plan is an essential tool in these cases, providing a detailed forecast of the medical and financial needs that will arise as a result of the injury. The plan includes anticipated medical treatments, therapies, special equipment, and accommodations necessary for the person’s ongoing care.
At OAS, we collaborate with healthcare professionals to create comprehensive life care plans. We ensure that every aspect of the individual’s long-term care is considered, including medical treatments, mobility aids, and necessary home modifications. By projecting the expected progression of the injury, we offer an accurate estimate of the financial resources required to meet the individual’s future care needs.
Expert Witness Services: Clear and Persuasive Testimony
The value of vocational assessments and life care plans is fully realized when they are presented in court. Expert witnesses play a vital role in explaining these evaluations and helping the court understand the full scope 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 understandable manner.
With decades of experience, OAS has provided expert witness testimony in a wide range of legal cases. Our team has supported attorneys in cases involving catastrophic injuries, divorce proceedings, workers' compensation claims, Social Security disability hearings, and veterans' disability claims. We specialize in delivering objective, reliable testimony that is easily understood by both legal professionals and jurors.
Our vocational experts excel in simplifying complex information, ensuring that juries understand the financial implications of the injury. This clarity is essential when the financial impact of the injury is significant, and the court must make well-informed decisions regarding compensation.
Serving a Wide Range of Legal Cases
In addition to personal injury cases, OAS offers vocational assessments and expert testimony for various legal matters, including:
Matrimonial & Divorce Cases: Vocational assessments play a key role in determining spousal support or alimony during divorce proceedings. 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 information is crucial in determining fair financial support in divorce settlements.
Social Security Disability: Vocational assessments are often necessary for individuals seeking Social Security Disability benefits. The evaluation determines whether the claimant is capable of engaging in substantial gainful activity. OAS ensures that individuals who meet the requirements for disability benefits receive the support they are entitled to.
Workers' Compensation: In workers' compensation cases, vocational assessments help determine whether an injured worker can return to their previous job or if retraining for another occupation is needed. These assessments also help calculate lost wages and future earning potential, which are essential for determining appropriate compensation.
Veterans' Disability: Veterans who are injured during their service often face long-term physical and mental health challenges that impact their ability to work. OAS specializes in vocational assessments and life care plans tailored to the unique needs of veterans, ensuring they receive the necessary compensation and care.
Nationwide Services with Remote Accessibility
One of the primary advantages of working with OAS is our ability to offer services across the nation. We conduct remote assessments and interviews, making our services accessible to legal professionals and clients all over the country. This approach ensures that geographic limitations do not prevent clients from accessing the expertise they need.
Why Work with an Experienced Vocational Expert?
When evaluating the financial impact of an injury or disability on an individual’s work life and earning capacity, it is crucial to work with a seasoned vocational expert. With over 50 years of experience, OAS is committed to providing thorough, impartial evaluations and expert testimony. Our team delivers reliable, accurate assessments that help attorneys build a strong, compelling case.
By partnering with OAS, attorneys gain access to detailed vocational assessments, life care plans, and expert testimony that clearly demonstrate the financial losses caused by an injury. This is particularly important when the financial consequences are central to the case and must be presented in a clear, persuasive manner.
Contact OAS Today
If you are an attorney managing a case that requires vocational assessments, life care plans, or expert witness services, reach out to Occupational Assessment Services today. With over five decades of experience and a team of highly skilled professionals, we are here to guide you through the complexities of your case and ensure that the financial damages are accurately and effectively presented.
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 that your client’s financial losses are accurately represented in court.
