Motor Vehicle Accident Expert Services in AS

Responsible experts: Matthew R. Putts, Ph.D. (Chief of Vocational Services); Christina Rivera, R.N., B.S.N. (Life Care Planner); Christopher Skerritt, M.Ed., MBA (Chief of Economic Services)

KWVRS provides motor vehicle accident vocational, life care planning, and forensic economic analysis for attorneys handling cases in American Samoa.

Overview

Motor vehicle accident (MVA) cases cover a spectrum of injury severity, from soft tissue to catastrophic. Vocational, economic, and life care planning analyses scale to the functional consequences of the crash.

Vocational and economic impact

Vocational analysis translates MVA-related injuries (orthopedic, TBI, SCI, chronic pain) into residual functional capacity and occupational options within the relevant labor market.

Damages commonly include lost earnings, lost earning capacity, lost household services, and present value of future care in moderate-to-catastrophic cases.

Life care plans are indicated in catastrophic MVA cases and address ongoing orthopedic, neurological, and rehabilitative care, along with durable medical equipment and attendant care where needed.

American Samoa courts and expert standards

Motor Vehicle Accident matters in American Samoa are litigated in the state's trial courts, with vocational, life care planning, and economic testimony evaluated under American Samoa's expert evidence standard. KWVRS prepares reports and testimony that account for these requirements.

Where these cases are heard

  • High Court of American Samoa (Trial Division) - Principal general jurisdiction trial court for local civil and criminal matters
  • District Court of American Samoa - Lower local court handling minor civil and criminal matters

Highest court: High Court of American Samoa, Appellate Division (American Samoa has no separate supreme court). Federal venues: none.

Attorney guides for motor vehicle accident cases

Other case types in American Samoa

Frequently Asked Questions

Are soft tissue MVA cases appropriate for vocational evaluation?

They can be, particularly where chronic pain affects sustained work tolerance. Not every soft tissue case warrants vocational evaluation - the test is whether earning capacity or employability is meaningfully contested.

How are MVA life care plans different from other life care plans?

The methodology is the same; what differs is the injury mix. MVA plans frequently blend orthopedic, neurological, and chronic pain management care, coordinated with the relevant treating specialists.

Is a forensic economist needed even in smaller MVA cases?

A forensic economist is most useful where future loss or present-value calculations are at issue. Smaller cases may rely on stipulated values rather than a full forensic economic report.

References

  1. NHTSA - Traffic Safety FactsGovernment
  2. CDC - Motor Vehicle SafetyGovernment
  3. BLS Occupational Outlook HandbookGovernment

Ready to Get Started on motor vehicle accident cases in American Samoa?

Contact KWVRS to discuss scope, timing, and the deliverables appropriate to the matter. Plaintiff and defense.