Permanent Total Disability Evaluation
We assess injured workers’ ability to secure & maintain gainful employment. This assists in the determination of whether they are permanently and totally disabled from the workforce.
Subsequent Injuries Benefits Trust Fund Evaluation (SIBTF) Evaluation
Vocational Experts & California’s Subsequent Injuries Benefits Trust Fund Evaluation (SIBTF) Claims
In California’s workers’ compensation system, an injured worker may be eligible for benefits from the Subsequent Injuries Benefits Trust Fund (SIBTF) if they have a pre-existing disability or injury that is made worse by a new work-related injury.
A vocational expert may be asked to conduct a SIBTF evaluation to assess the individual’s work abilities and earning potential in light of their pre-existing disability or injury. The expert will conjointly consider the impact of the workers’ compensation claim and the combined effect of both claims on the injured worker’s amenability to rehabilitation.
The SIBTF evaluation is an important step in determining the individual’s eligibility for SIBTF benefits and the appropriate level of benefits to be awarded. The expert’s findings and recommendations will be used to inform the decision on the individual’s eligibility and to provide guidance on the appropriate level of benefits that should be awarded.
The SIBTF Vocational Evaluation
A SIBTF evaluation is typically conducted by a vocational expert who has specialized knowledge and experience in evaluating the work abilities and earning potential of individuals with disabilities or injuries. The vocational expert will consider a variety of factors in conducting the evaluation, including the individual’s work history, education, skills. We will take in account their work restrictions in conjunction with any pre-existing labor-disabling factors.
The vocational expert will use this information to assess the individual’s employability and earning potential, and to identify potential job opportunities that may be suitable for the individual in light of their pre-existing condition and any new injuries. The vocational expert will also consider the impact of the pre-existing condition on the individual’s earning capacity, and will provide an estimate of the individual’s earning potential in the job market.
Based on this assessment, the vocational expert will issue a comprehensive report outlining their findings and suggestions. This report may be used as evidence in legal proceedings to help a judge understand the individual’s work abilities and earning capacity, and to make a determination about the appropriate level of SIBTF benefits.
The SIBTF Vocational Evaluation Report
In conclusion, a SIBTF evaluation is a crucial component of the workers’ compensation process in California, and can have a significant impact on an individual’s ability to return to work and earn a living. A vocational expert with specialized knowledge and experience in evaluating the work abilities and earning potential of individuals with disabilities or injuries is typically responsible for conducting the evaluation.
The vocational expert will consider a variety of factors in conducting the evaluation, including the individual’s work history, education, skills, and any limitations or restrictions that may impact their employability. The vocational expert will also review the individual’s medical records and functional capacity evaluations to understand the impact of their pre-existing condition and any new work-related injuries on their ability to work.
Based on this assessment, the expert will provide recommendations for the individual’s future career path and will issue a comprehensive vocational evaluation report outlining their findings and suggestions. This vocational evaluation report may be used as evidence in legal proceedings to help a judge or jury understand the individual’s work abilities and earning capacity, and to make a determination about the appropriate level of SIBTF benefits.
What Should Attorneys Consider When Hiring A Vocational Expert Witness
Attorneys should consider a number of factors when hiring a vocational expert. Some of the key considerations include:
-
Expertise: It is important to choose a vocational expert who has specialized knowledge and experience in evaluating the work abilities and earning potential of individuals with disabilities or injuries. This expertise will be invaluable in accurately assessing the individual’s work restrictions, functional limitations, transferable skills and ability to compete in the labor market.
-
Credentials: Attorneys should look for a vocational expert who has the appropriate credentials and qualifications to perform vocational evaluations. This may include a degree in a related field, such as rehabilitation counseling, and certification from a professional organization, such as the Commission on Rehabilitation Counselor Certification (CRCC).
-
Objectivity: It is important to choose a vocational expert who is objective and unbiased in their assessment of the individual. The expert should not have any conflicts of interest or any personal or professional stake in the outcome of the evaluation.
-
Communication skills: The vocational expert should be able to clearly and effectively communicate their findings and recommendations to the attorney and any other relevant parties. This may involve presenting written reports, providing testimony in legal proceedings, and answering questions or concerns.
Overall, attorneys should look for a vocational expert who is knowledgeable, qualified, objective, and effective in communication when hiring them to serve as a vocational expert witness. When it comes to choosing a vocational expert witness, attorneys should consider the experience and qualifications of the vocational expert.
Experience Is Expertise
Scott Simon has an impressive 40 years of experience in the field of vocational rehabilitation. He has performed or supervised over 18,000 vocational evaluations, including over 3,000 DFEC evaluations. Mr. Simon has also completed over 300 depositions and testified in over 4,000 cases.
Mr. Simon has a Masters in Rehabilitation Counseling. Additionally, Mr. Simon is a Certified Rehabilitation Counselor (CRC), which is a widely recognized credential in the field of vocational rehabilitation.
Mr. Simon has a strong track record of helping individuals with disabilities or injuries to return to work and achieve their career goals. He has administered over 15,000 vocational rehabilitation plans, which are detailed documents outlining the steps and resources needed to help individuals with disabilities or injuries to return to work.
Simon Group Consulting Vocational Experts
Simon Group Consulting specializes in Vocational Rehabilitation Expert Witness services for trial preparation. Our experts have over 40 years of vocational experience and are trial-tested in numerous venues.
As vocational experts, we believe that it is our responsibility to provide an effective presentation of our opinions to attorneys specializing in workers compensation and personal injury cases. Our goal is to educate these attorneys about the impact of the client’s injury on their ability to compete in the local labor market in light of their medical and/or psychiatric restrictions.
We strive to present this information clearly and comprehensively, in order to help the attorneys understand the full extent of the impact of the client’s injury on their ability to work and earn an income.
As vocational experts, we have specialized knowledge and training in the field of work and employment. We are familiar with the current job market and the skills and requirements needed for various occupations. When called upon to provide testimony in workers compensation and personal injury cases, we use this knowledge to evaluate the client’s abilities and limitations, and to offer opinions on their potential to secure gainful employment.
In addition to providing testimony, we may also assist attorneys by providing vocational assessments, job analyses, and earnings capacity evaluations. These tools can help to paint a more complete picture of the client’s work-related abilities and limitations, and can be used to support the attorney’s arguments in court.
Overall, our role as vocational experts is to provide valuable insights and information that can help attorneys build strong cases on behalf of their clients. We strive to present our opinions in a clear and comprehensive manner, and to work closely with attorneys to ensure that all relevant information is considered in determining the best course of action for the client.
