Forensic Evaluations & Related Services

Capacity Evaluations

Capacity evaluations, sometimes referred to as capacity assessments, involve the systematic assessment of an individual's mental or cognitive (i.e., decision-making) capacity. These evaluations aim to determine an individual's ability to understand, appreciate, and communicate decisions regarding various aspects of their life, such as medical treatment, financial matters (i.e., wills), or other legal decisions. The process typically involves a thorough examination by qualified professionals, such as a psychologist or neuropsychologist via a clinical interview, standardized testing, and review of medical and other records. Capacity evaluations are crucial in legal and healthcare contexts, helping ensure that individuals are capable of making informed decisions and safeguarding their rights when cognitive impairments or mental health issues are a concern.

  • Financial Capacity

  • Testamentary Capacity

  • Healthcare Decision Making Capacity

  • Personal Care & Independence

  • Adult Guardianship

  • Driving Capacity

Evaluations for tort claims

Evaluations for tort claims involve the assessment of damages or injuries in the context of civil litigation. In tort law, individuals seek compensation for harm caused by another party's negligence or intentional actions. These evaluations often require the expertise of professionals such as medical experts, economists, or forensic specialists. The purpose is to determine the extent of physical, psychological, or financial harm suffered by the plaintiff and calculate the appropriate compensation. These assessments play a crucial role in legal proceedings, providing evidence to support the plaintiff's claim and aiding in the fair resolution of disputes related to personal injury, medical malpractice, or other civil wrongs. Psychological or neuropsychological evaluations in this context can assist in providing objective evidence of the presence (or lack of evidence) regarding psychological and/or cognitive impairment(s) due to an injury/event.

Medical-Legal Evaluations

Medico-legal evaluations involve the intersection of medical expertise and legal considerations. These assessments are conducted by professionals, often physicians or psychologists, to provide expert opinions in legal cases. Commonly, medico-legal evaluations are performed in the context of personal injury claims, disability determinations, workers' compensation cases, or legal disputes related to mental health. The goal is to assess and document the medical or psychological condition of an individual, providing an objective analysis that can be used as evidence in legal proceedings. These evaluations help bridge the gap between medical knowledge and legal requirements, offering insights that contribute to fair and informed legal decisions.

Related Services

  • Expert Consultation

  • Deposition & Expert Witness Testimony

  • Record Review as part of a Psychological or Neuropsychological Evaluation.