In personal injury litigation, one of the most intricate tasks is calculating the financial damages resulting from an injury. This task becomes even more challenging in catastrophic injury cases, where the impact on an individual’s ability to work, earn a living, and maintain their quality of life can be significant. In such cases, vocational assessments and expert witness services are essential for evaluating the financial consequences. Occupational Assessment Services (OAS) specializes in providing vocational evaluations and expert testimony, assisting attorneys in presenting clear and persuasive evidence in court.

With over 50 years of experience, OAS has been a trusted provider of vocational assessments, life care plans, and expert witness services. We support legal professionals in documenting the financial losses suffered by individuals due to injuries or disabilities. Our services extend across various legal matters, including workers' compensation, Social Security disability claims, veterans' disability, matrimonial disputes, and catastrophic injury cases. OAS operates nationwide and offers remote assessments to ensure our services are accessible and convenient.

What Is a Vocational Assessment?

A vocational assessment is an in-depth evaluation that examines an individual’s ability to perform work tasks after sustaining an injury or disability. This evaluation considers the person's physical, cognitive, and emotional capabilities, determining how the injury has affected their ability to return to their previous occupation or pursue alternative employment.

In catastrophic injury cases, vocational assessments are particularly crucial for quantifying the loss of earning capacity. These evaluations combine interviews, standardized tests, and a thorough review of medical and employment history to assess the extent to which the injury affects the individual’s ability to work.

At OAS, we use advanced techniques and tools to conduct comprehensive vocational assessments. Our team has extensive experience in evaluating how various types of injuries—whether physical, cognitive, or emotional—impact a person’s ability to perform their job. Based on our findings, we provide clear recommendations on whether the individual can return to their previous role, transition to a new one, or if the injury has permanently impaired their ability to earn a living.

Life Care Plans: Projecting Future Care Needs

Catastrophic injuries often result in long-term medical and financial challenges that extend well beyond immediate medical expenses and lost wages. Many individuals require ongoing care, rehabilitation, and support. A life care plan is essential in these cases, as it outlines the long-term medical and financial needs resulting from the injury. This plan includes projected medical treatments, therapies, special equipment, and accommodations required throughout the individual’s life.

At OAS, we collaborate with healthcare professionals to create detailed 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 factoring in the expected progression of the injury, we offer a thorough estimate of the financial resources needed to meet the individual’s future care requirements.

Expert Witness Services: Providing Clear and Reliable Testimony

The true value of vocational assessments and life care plans is realized when they are presented in court. Expert witnesses play a critical role in explaining these evaluations and helping the court understand the full extent of the damages. Expert witnesses offer testimony based on their expertise, ensuring that the financial impact of the injury is clear and comprehensible.

OAS has decades of experience offering expert witness testimony in various legal proceedings. Our team has provided support to attorneys in cases involving catastrophic injuries, divorce, workers' compensation claims, Social Security disability hearings, and veterans' disability cases. We specialize in delivering objective and trustworthy testimony that is clear and understandable to both legal professionals and jurors.

Our vocational experts excel at presenting complex data in an easily digestible format, ensuring that juries fully comprehend the financial losses involved. This clarity is vital, especially in cases where the financial impact of the injury is significant, and the court needs to make informed decisions regarding compensation.

Serving Various Legal Needs

In addition to personal injury cases, OAS provides vocational assessments and expert testimony for a wide range of legal matters, including:

1. Matrimonial & Divorce Cases: In divorce cases, vocational assessments are crucial when determining spousal support or alimony. A vocational expert can assess whether one spouse is underemployed or if an injury or disability has limited their earning capacity. This information is vital in establishing the financial support required.

2. Social Security Disability: For individuals seeking Social Security Disability benefits, a vocational assessment can be an important part of supporting their claim. The evaluation determines whether the claimant is capable of engaging in substantial gainful activity. OAS ensures that those who meet the criteria for disability receive the benefits they are entitled to.

3. Workers' Compensation: In workers' compensation cases, vocational assessments help determine whether an injured worker can return to their previous position or if retraining is necessary. These evaluations also help assess lost wages and future earning potential, which is essential for determining fair compensation.

4. Veterans’ Disability: Veterans who sustain injuries during their service often face long-lasting physical and mental health issues that hinder their ability to work. OAS specializes in vocational assessments and life care plans tailored to the unique needs of veterans, ensuring they receive the appropriate compensation and care they deserve.

Nationwide Services with Remote Accessibility

One of the advantages of working with OAS is our ability to offer nationwide services. We conduct remote assessments and interviews, making it easy for legal professionals and clients across the country to access our services. This approach eliminates geographical barriers and ensures we can assist clients wherever they are located.

Why Choose a Trusted Vocational Expert?

When it comes to evaluating the financial consequences of an injury or disability on an individual’s ability to work and earn a living, it is critical to collaborate with an experienced vocational expert. OAS has over 50 years of experience providing thorough, objective assessments and expert testimony. Our team is committed to offering reliable, accurate evaluations that help attorneys present a strong case in court.

By partnering with OAS, attorneys gain access to expert vocational assessments, life care plans, and testimony that clearly illustrate the financial impact of an injury. This is especially crucial when the financial consequences are 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 planning, or expert witness services, contact Occupational Assessment Services today. With over 50 years of experience and a team of highly skilled professionals, we are here to help you navigate the complexities of your case and ensure the damages are represented clearly and convincingly.

Call 1-800-292-1919 today to learn more about how we can assist with vocational assessments, life care plans, and expert witness services. Let OAS be your trusted partner in ensuring that the financial losses sustained by your client are accurately presented in court.