Forensic neuropsychiatric evaluation of a personal injury case

Behav Sci Law. 2024 Jan-Feb;42(1):46-55. doi: 10.1002/bsl.2642. Epub 2023 Dec 25.

Abstract

Civil litigation involving the forensic neuropsychiatric evaluation of a personal injury case requires an assessment of damages and causation. The expert witness is obliged to integrate data from three critical sources of information: the review of records; the results of neuropsychological testing; and the findings from the clinical examination. In civil litigation involving a personal injury claim, the expert witness can be expected to address causation and prognosis of any neuropsychiatric damages. We discuss the undertaking of a forensic neuropsychiatric evaluation, psychiatric disorders often encountered in personal injury litigation, provide case vignettes and describe a number of special types of forensic neuropsychiatric evaluations, for example, Workers' Compensation, VA Disability and Social Security Disability.

Keywords: TBI evaluation; forensic psychiatric expert examination; malingering; neuropsychological testing; posttraumatic stress disorder.

MeSH terms

  • Disability Evaluation
  • Expert Testimony*
  • Humans
  • Mental Disorders* / diagnosis