How Vocational Evaluations Impact Personal Injury Settlements

Did you know? In the United States, over 39 million people require medical treatment every year due to personal injuries — and many of them face long-term challenges returning to work.

When someone is hurt in an accident, it can affect more than just their physical health. It can impact their ability to work, earn money, and live the life they had before the injury.

That’s where a vocational evaluation for personal injury cases comes in. This process helps figure out how a person’s injury has changed their ability to work, and it plays a big role in deciding how much money they might receive in a settlement.

In this blog post, we’ll explain what a vocational evaluation is, how it helps in personal injury settlements, and why hiring a vocational expert for personal injury cases can make a big difference.

What Is a Vocational Evaluation?

A vocational evaluation is a detailed report that looks at a person’s skills, education, job history, and medical condition to decide what kind of work they can still do after an injury.

A trained professional, called a vocational expert, performs the evaluation. They ask questions, look at medical records, and sometimes use tests to understand the person’s ability to work.

These evaluations are often used in court to help judges, lawyers, and insurance companies understand how much an injury has impacted a person’s life — especially their career.

How Personal Injuries Affect Work

Let’s say someone was a construction worker before they got into a car accident. After the injury, they can’t lift heavy materials or stand for long periods. This means they might not be able to return to their old job — or may need to switch to a lower-paying job.

Without a proper evaluation, it’s hard to prove these changes. That’s why vocational evaluations are so important. They provide evidence to show:

• If the person can return to the same job.
  
  
• If they need to switch to a different type of job.
  
  
• If they can’t work at all.
  
  

How much money they might lose over time because of the injury.

Why a Vocational Expert for Personal Injury Cases Is Important

A vocational expert is not just any professional. They have experience in understanding jobs, wages, and how different medical conditions affect people’s ability to work. They can explain things clearly in court and make sure the injured person’s side of the story is heard.

Here’s what a vocational expert does in a personal injury case:

1. Interviews the injured person – To understand their education, work history, and injury.
   
   
2. Review medical records – To see what limitations the injury causes.
   
   
3. Performs job and skill testing – To measure what the person can still do.
   
   
4. Research job markets – To check if suitable jobs are available.
   
   
5. Writes a report – With expert opinions and future work options.
   
   

This expert opinion can lead to a higher and fairer personal injury settlement.

Real-Life Example

Imagine a woman named Lisa who worked as a hairdresser. After a car crash, she suffered nerve damage in her hands. Now, she can no longer hold scissors for long periods, which means she can’t return to her job.

With a vocational evaluation, Lisa lawyer can prove that:

• She has lost the ability to return to her original job.
  
  
• She will earn less in a new job, such as a receptionist.
  
  
• She may need retraining, which also costs money.
  
  

All of this helps Lisa receive a better personal injury settlement that truly reflects her losses.

Vocational Evaluations vs. Medical Evaluations

You might wonder, “Don’t medical records already show how injured someone is?” Yes, they do — but they don’t always show how the injury affects work life.

A vocational evaluation for personal injury cases connects the dots between medical evidence and work impact. For example:

• A doctor says someone can’t lift more than 10 pounds.
  
  
• A vocational expert explains this means they can’t do their warehouse job anymore.
  
  

This kind of insight is essential to get a full and fair settlement.

How Vocational Evaluations Influence Settlements

A personal injury settlement is supposed to cover all the losses someone experiences after an accident.

This includes:

• Medical bills.
  
  
• Pain and suffering.
  
  
• Lost wages.
  
  
• Future lost earning capacity.
  
  

The last two — lost wages and earning capacity — are hard to prove without expert help. That’s where vocational evaluations shine.

They show exactly how much income the injured person will likely miss out on. This helps both sides (lawyers and insurance companies) agree on a fair settlement amount.

When Should You Get a Vocational Evaluation?

You should consider hiring a vocational expert for personal injury if:

• The injury has affected your ability to do your job.
  
  
• You had a high-paying or specialized job before the injury.
  
  
• You’re not sure what work you can do now.
  
  
• The other side (insurance company) is offering a low settlement.
  
  

Getting a vocational evaluation early in the case can help build a strong argument and avoid delays.

The Role of OAS in Personal Injury Cases

At OAS Inc, our experienced vocational experts work closely with lawyers and clients to prepare strong, professional evaluations. We understand the emotional and financial stress that comes with injury. That’s why our reports are carefully crafted to reflect the true impact of an injury on a person’s working life.

We’ve helped thousands of people get better settlements through accurate, evidence-based evaluations.

Final Thoughts

In personal injury cases, the focus isn’t only on healing physically — it’s also about protecting your future. A vocational evaluation for personal injury cases helps paint the full picture. It shows how your injury affects your job options, income, and life.

By working with a vocational expert for personal injury, you give your case the power of evidence, experience, and expertise — all of which can lead to a stronger and fairer personal injury settlement.

Need help understanding how your injury affects your work? Schedule a consultation with a vocational expert today at oasinc.

Get expert help to maximize your personal injury settlement — contact OAS today for a consultation.