The forensic model of occupational therapy

In the past decade attorneys have increasingly sought the services of occupational therapists to serve as experts in legal and quasi-legal personal injury proceedings. This emerging specialty area of forensic practice is rapidly developing. The unique qualifications of the therapist enables him to assess and document functional assets and deficits of the individual and relate them to daily life tasks. This ability makes the occupational therapist an important expert on the forensic panel. The therapist provides reports and information to persons who are responsible for applying the law, but who are without medical backgrounds and therefore do not understand the problems or lack of problems which an injured person has in meeting the physical demands of work and daily life. Common proceedings in which the occupational therapist's expertise is called for include Social Security disability and Workman's Compensation hearings and personal injury litigation. The complementary group of forensic experts, of which the occupational therapist is one, frequently consists of physician, psychologist, vocational expert and economist. Information is provided through verbal and written reports as well as through testimony.