How is OAS Vocational Assessment Helpful in Employment Cases?

Did you know that over 2 million workplace discrimination claims were filed in the U.S. between 2010 and 2020? Many of these cases involved issues around lost wages, job loss, or the ability to return to work. When employment disputes go to court, one of the most important questions is: Can this person work again? If so, in what kind of job, and how much can they earn?

That’s where OAS vocational assessments come in. At Occupational Assessment Services (OAS), vocational experts provide in-depth evaluations that help answer these questions. Their work plays a major role in employment cases, helping judges, juries, and lawyers understand how injuries or discrimination have impacted someone’s ability to work.

In this article, we’ll break down what vocational assessments are, how they’re used in employment cases, and why OAS is a trusted leader in the field.

What is a Vocational Evaluation for Employment Cases?

A vocational evaluation for employment cases is a detailed study of a person’s ability to work. It considers many things, including:

• Education and training.
  
  
• Past work history.
  
  
• Skills and qualifications.
  
  
• Medical conditions or disabilities.
  
  
• Job market opportunities in the person’s location.
  
  

The goal is to figure out whether someone can return to work, what kind of jobs they can do, and how much they can expect to earn. This is especially important in legal cases where someone is asking for lost wages or future earnings.

Why Are Vocational Experts Important in Employment Cases?

A vocational expert for employment cases is like a bridge between the courtroom and the real-world job market. They use facts, tools, and research to give fair, unbiased opinions.

Here’s how they help:

1. Understanding Earning Capacity

If someone says they can’t work anymore or can’t earn the same income, the court needs proof. A vocational expert looks at the person’s background and current condition to estimate what they could realistically earn today.

2. Showing the Impact of Discrimination or Injury

In cases involving wrongful termination, workplace harassment, or discrimination based on disability, age, or gender, vocational experts help show how the event affected someone’s ability to find work or grow in their career.

3. Helping With Settlements

When both sides of a legal case have a clear and neutral opinion from a vocational expert, it can be easier to agree on a fair settlement. This can save time, money, and stress for everyone involved.

How Does the OAS Vocational Assessment Work?

OAS has been providing vocational evaluations for over 50 years. Their process is detailed, trusted, and focused on fairness.

Here’s what happens during an OAS vocational assessment:

1. Initial Interview

The expert meets with the person being evaluated. They go over education, past jobs, and any health issues or disabilities.

2. Testing and Analysis

OAS uses standardized tests to measure reading, writing, math skills, and more. They may also do tests related to physical strength or dexterity, depending on the case.

3. Labor Market Research

The expert looks at current job openings and salary data in the person’s area. They also consider trends in the person’s industry.

4. Final Report

The expert creates a detailed report that answers key questions like:

• Can this person return to their old job?
  
  
• If not, what jobs can they do now?
  
  
• What is their expected wage today?
  
  
• How much income have they lost?
  
  

This report is often used in court as expert testimony.

Why Choose OAS?

There are many companies that offer vocational evaluations, but few have the same experience and trust as OAS. Here’s why legal professionals across the U.S. choose OAS:

• Experience: Over 50 years in the field.
  
  
• Expert Team: Trained and certified vocational experts.
  
  
• Unbiased Reports: Neutral, professional evaluations used in court.

• Services: Nationwide Services to law Firms.

• Trusted in Legal Circles: OAS experts have testified in thousands of court cases.
  
  

When Do You Need a Vocational Expert?

You might need a vocational expert if you are involved in any of the following types of cases:

• Wrongful termination.
  
  
• Employment discrimination (based on age, gender, race, or disability).
  
  
• Sexual harassment at work.
  
  
• Retaliation claims.
  
  
• Whistleblower cases.
  
  
• Wage and hour disputes.
  
  

In these situations, a vocational expert can help show the court how your work life has been affected and what kind of compensation may be fair.

Benefits of Using OAS in Employment Cases

• Accurate Earnings Calculations – No guessing. Just real data.

• Objective Opinions – Judges trust expert reports that are neutral.

• Court-Tested Reports – OAS reports are designed for courtroom use.

• Support for Plaintiffs and Defendants – OAS helps both sides of a legal case get the facts straight.

Final Thoughts

Employment cases can be complicated. Emotions are high, and the facts aren’t always clear. That’s why having a trusted vocational expert for employment cases is so important.

With a strong history, proven methods, and a nationwide reputation, OAS vocational evaluations for employment cases are a key part of building a fair and accurate legal case.

Whether you're a lawyer, judge, or someone going through a tough employment situation, OAS is here to help bring clarity and fairness to the workplace.

Need expert help in your employment case? Contact OAS today to schedule your vocational assessment.