When Should You Call a Vocational Expert for Evaluations?

If you or someone you know is going through a personal injury, divorce, or a disability case, you may need help understanding how work ability is affected. This is where a vocational expert can help. But many people don’t know when they should reach out for this kind of support.

In this blog post, we’ll explain what vocational evaluations are, how a vocational expert helps, and when is the right time to call one—especially if you’re an attorney or involved in a legal case. We'll also talk about how OAS provides trusted services in this area.

What Is a Vocational Expert?

A vocational expert is someone who understands jobs, careers, and how people’s skills match with different types of work. They know a lot about job duties, wages, and the types of work available across the country. Vocational experts are trained to help people figure out if they can return to work or find a new job after an injury or illness.

They use vocational evaluations to look at a person’s skills, education, work history, and medical condition to give professional opinions. These experts often work with attorneys, insurance companies, and courts.

What Is a Vocational Evaluation?

A vocational evaluation is a careful review of a person’s ability to work. It looks at:

• Past jobs and work experience
  
  
• Education and training
  
  
• Medical history and current health
  
  
• Skills and interests
  
  
• What types of jobs the person may still be able to do
  
  

The goal is to find out if the person can return to their old job, start a new one, or needs more training. The evaluation can also show how much money the person might be able to earn.

When Should You Call a Vocational Expert?

There are several key moments when calling a vocational expert can make a big difference. Let’s take a look:

1. After a Serious Injury or Illness

If someone is injured or becomes sick and can’t do their usual job, a vocational expert can help. The expert can figure out if the person can work at all, needs a different job, or requires retraining.

This is important in personal injury and workers’ compensation cases. The expert’s opinion can be used to prove lost earning capacity or future wage loss.

2. During a Disability Claim

If you’re applying for Social Security Disability Insurance (SSDI) or other disability benefits, a vocational evaluation is very helpful. The expert can provide detailed information about your ability to work and what jobs (if any) are still possible based on your health.

Their reports can support your claim and increase your chances of being approved for benefits.

3. In Divorce or Spousal Support Cases

In divorce cases, especially when spousal support or alimony is involved, a vocational expert may be needed to evaluate a spouse’s earning potential. For example, if one spouse stopped working years ago to raise kids, the expert can assess how much they might be able to earn now and whether support is needed.

Courts often rely on vocational evaluations to decide fair amounts for spousal or child support.

4. When Settling Legal Cases

Attorneys often use vocational experts for evaluations when preparing for trial or settlement. These experts give clear, factual information that helps explain their client’s ability to work—or not work.

If you’re a lawyer handling a case that involves job loss or disability, calling a vocational expert early in the process can give you strong evidence to use in court.

5. For Rehabilitation and Return-to-Work Plans

Sometimes people want to return to work after an injury but don’t know where to start. A vocational evaluation helps build a return-to-work plan that matches the person’s abilities and interests. This plan can include retraining, education, or other support.

This is useful for individuals, case managers, and insurance companies working on rehabilitation plans.

6. In Long-Term Unemployment Situations

If someone has been out of work for a long time due to injury, illness, or other issues, they may feel unsure about their job options. A vocational expert can help them understand what kinds of work they might still be able to do.

This can give hope and direction when someone feels stuck or unsure about the future.

7. When You Need Expert Testimony in Court

Vocational experts can serve as expert witnesses in court. Their professional opinions carry weight and are often trusted by judges and juries.

If your case involves questions about employment, wages, or the ability to work, having a vocational expert testify can strongly support your side.

Why Choose OAS for Vocational Evaluations?

OAS (Occupational Assessment Services, Inc.) has over 50 years of experience in providing high-quality vocational evaluations. They work with attorneys, individuals, insurance companies, and other professionals across the country.

Here’s what makes oasinc stand out:

• Certified Experts: OAS has a team of certified and court-tested vocational experts.
  
  
• Detailed Evaluations: They provide clear, honest, and easy-to-understand reports.
  
  
• Nationwide Services: OAS serves clients across the United States.
  
  
• Trusted by Attorneys: OAS is known for working with lawyers and giving expert testimony in court.
  
  

Whether you're building a legal case, seeking support after an injury, or planning to return to work, OAS can help guide you with expert knowledge and care.

Final Thoughts

Calling a vocational expert at the right time can help you or your client get the support and answers needed. Whether it’s for a personal injury claim, a disability case, or a divorce matter, vocational evaluations play a key role in understanding a person’s work ability.

If you’re unsure when to call, remember this: the earlier, the better. Getting expert help from the start can lead to stronger results and better planning.

Need help from trusted vocational experts? Contact OAS today to schedule a professional vocational evaluation.