Estimating present and future damages following child maltreatment

The child psychiatric forensic evaluation of children and adolescents who are plaintiffs in civil lawsuits regarding their present and future damages from child maltreatment requires knowledge of current research findings on the short-term and long-term consequences of child maltreatment, evidence-based treatments for psychological trauma, and relevant professional guidelines, along with knowledge of the ethics and laws governing mental health expert practice and testimony in personal injury litigation. This article reviews current research and recommends an approach to these evaluations and expert testimony that is informed by current research findings, recently developed professional guidelines, and many years of professional experience.