The Purpose of the Vocational Evaluation is to assess the employability and earning capacity of a person who has sustained a permanent injury. It consists of a record review, standard vocational interview, vocational testing, and labor market research to document the effect the impairment and limitation has on the person's ability to return to his/her prior work or any other work in the competitive labor market. This assessment can be performed on adults as well as children. Injuries to the head, neck, back, arm, hand, and leg can be evaluated as well as cognitive and psychological impairments.

The vocational evaluation helps the attorney document the effect of the disabled persons’ injuries on their ability to work and earn money.

TYPE OF INJURIES

• Vocational Expert Services are used in cases involving the following injuries:
• Low back injuries
• Neck injuries
• Non-union of Upper or Lower Extremities
• Severe Non-healing Fractures
  
• Reflex Sympathetic Dystrophy
• Brain Injuries - Mild to Severe
• Lead Poisoning
• Brachial Plexus Injuries
• Rotator Cuff Injuries
• Loss of Vision
• Loss of hearing
• Psychiatric or Psychological Trauma

These injuries must have a significant impact on an individual’s ability to perform their prior work or any other work activities.

These services are important for both Plaintiff and Defense attorneys, where it is necessary to objectively document the injured persons’ damages.

Call for the following articles:

• “Documenting a Child’s Impaired Earnings: The Role of the Vocational Expert, “ Trial Diplomacy Journal, January/February 1992.
• "Using Vocational Experts in Cases Involving Injured Children” Trial, December 1993.