What A Vocational Expert Can Provide

If you've been injured in any type of accident, there might be lasting repercussions. You may be unable to work like you used to, or worse, you may be unable to work at all. If that's the case, then you've probably already talked to a personal injury attorney about some form of settlement to help you pay your mounting bills. In order to prove your case, your attorney may hire a vocational expert to provide validity to your case and help you get the money you deserve.

The burning question then is what is a vocational expert? This person is not a doctor. While they may be provided with the medical foundation for your claims, this person's job is to evaluate whether or not you can continue to work for a living. Not only will this person evaluate whether or not you can continue working, he or she will also evaluate what types of occupations you can and cannot do if you are declared able to work. This information is then turned over to the court in an attempt to explain how much income loss you face due to the accident. This evidence will be based on a factual analysis and can actually go a long way to proving your claims.

It might seem like a stretch to think that a vocational expert make that much of an impact on your case. In actuality, this person can assist you greatly. Because most of them are also well versed in economics, they can look at your financials as well as your medical reports. This will help to solidify your claims of lost income due to injury. This information will also be turned over to the courts and they can see based off of your W2, your most recent tax return statement, or an educated analysis of your education level and job opportunities what you could have potentially been making.

Not everyone can be considered a vocational expert. It's similar to obtaining certification or licensing. While it varies from state to state, generally the person should have a certificate or license and a graduate degree in psychology or counseling. This education coupled with their experience, training, and skill can qualify them to testify on your behalf to help you get the settlement that you deserve.

If you've suffered an injury then you know what it's like to wonder about your future. By being able to obtain a settlement for loss of current or future earnings, you can be certain that your lack of work won't hurt your family. A vocational expert can help your attorney build a case that will prove that you are unable to maintain the lifestyle to which you have become accustomed as a result of injury from an accident that was not your fault.