# Kincaid Wolstein Vocational and Rehabilitation Services - Full Reference ## Organization Overview Kincaid Wolstein Vocational and Rehabilitation Services (KWVRS) is a professional services firm specializing in vocational rehabilitation consulting, life care planning, forensic economics, and expert witness services for the legal community. The firm provides independent, objective analysis for both plaintiff and defense attorneys across all jurisdictions in the United States. KWVRS operates from its New Jersey headquarters and a Virginia office, accepting cases in all 50 states, the District of Columbia, and U.S. territories. All evaluations are performed by credentialed specialists with advanced academic degrees and national certifications. Opinions are grounded in recognized methodology and authoritative data sources, and are prepared to withstand Daubert scrutiny and cross-examination. Website: https://kwvrs.com Phone: (201) 343-0700 Headquarters: Hackensack, New Jersey Forensic economics division: https://kweconomics.com ## Leadership Team ### Daniel Wolstein, Ph.D. - CEO & President Credentials: Ph.D., CRC, CLCP, IPEC, ABVE/D, LRC, FVE, CVE Dr. Wolstein leads KWVRS with doctoral-level expertise in rehabilitation counseling from East Carolina University. He served as President of the American Board of Vocational Experts (2023-2025) and brings decades of experience in vocational evaluation and forensic rehabilitation. Specialties: Vocational Evaluation, Earning Capacity Analysis, Life Care Planning, Expert Testimony States served: New Jersey, New York, Massachusetts, Virginia, Rhode Island, Connecticut, Pennsylvania ### Jesse Wolstein, M.D., M.A. - Chief Medical Director Credentials: M.D., M.A., CLCP Dr. Jesse Wolstein is a board-certified emergency medicine physician. He holds a Master's in Rehabilitation Counseling and specializes in medical-legal consulting and standard of care analysis. Specialties: Standard of Care Analysis, Medical-Legal Consulting, Life Care Planning States served: New Jersey, New York ### Sharon Hirsh, M.S. - Chief Operating Officer Credentials: M.S., CRC Sharon Hirsh previously served as Supervisory Vocational Rehabilitation Counselor at the VA Central Office and as Director of Human Resources for a major PR firm. She oversees all operations at KWVRS. Specialties: Vocational Rehabilitation, Operations Management States served: New Jersey, New York ### Paul Bourgeois, Ph.D. - Chief of Life Care Planning Credentials: Ph.D., CRC, CVE, CLCP, NCC Dr. Bourgeois leads all life care planning services at KWVRS. With doctoral-level training and multiple certifications, he develops comprehensive, evidence-based life care plans for individuals with catastrophic injuries and chronic conditions. Specialties: Life Care Planning, Vocational Evaluation, Rehabilitation Counseling States served: New Jersey, New York ### Annie Cerone - Chief Administrative Officer Annie Cerone oversees administrative operations across all KWVRS departments, ensuring efficient case management and organizational coordination. Specialties: Administrative Operations, Case Management States served: New Jersey, New York ### Matthew R. Putts, Ph.D. - Chief of Vocational Services Credentials: Ph.D., LPC, LRC, NCC, CRC, CLCP, IPEC, CVE Dr. Putts is a licensed professional counselor and certified rehabilitation counselor with experience as CEO of a nonprofit community rehabilitation program. He leads all vocational services at KWVRS. Specialties: Vocational Evaluation, Life Care Planning, Rehabilitation Counseling States served: New Jersey, New York, Virginia ### Courtney Tremonte - Human Resources Manager Courtney Tremonte manages human resources operations at KWVRS, supporting talent acquisition and organizational development. Specialties: Human Resources, Organizational Development States served: New Jersey ### Christopher Skerritt, M.Ed., MBA - Chief of Economic Services Credentials: M.Ed., MBA, CRC, LRC, IPEC, CVE, ABVE/F, REAS, CEAS I, CLCP, MSCC, CPRW, QRC Christopher Skerritt serves as Chief of Economic Services, overseeing all forensic economic evaluations and analyses. He brings extensive credentials in vocational rehabilitation and economic consulting to complex litigation matters. Specialties: Forensic Economics, Vocational Evaluation, Earning Capacity Analysis, Economic Damages States served: New Jersey, New York, Massachusetts, Virginia, Rhode Island, Connecticut, Pennsylvania ## Expert Panel ### John J. Halpin, M.A. - Vocational Rehabilitation Expert Credentials: M.A., CRC, ABVE/F, CRP John Halpin is an experienced vocational rehabilitation expert providing earning capacity evaluations and vocational assessments for litigation in multiple jurisdictions. Specialties: Vocational Evaluation, Earning Capacity Analysis, Expert Testimony States served: Virginia, New Jersey, New York ### Kristina Fredericksen-Koleck - Vocational Rehabilitation Expert Credentials: CRC, CVE, LPC, PVE, IPEC Kristina Fredericksen-Koleck is a certified vocational evaluator and licensed professional counselor providing vocational rehabilitation expertise for litigation matters. Specialties: Vocational Evaluation, Rehabilitation Counseling, Expert Testimony States served: New Jersey, New York ### John May, M.A. - Vocational Rehabilitation Expert Credentials: M.A., CRC, F/ABVE, IPEC John May is a Fellow of the American Board of Vocational Experts providing vocational assessments, earning capacity evaluations, and expert testimony in state and federal courts. Specialties: Vocational Evaluation, Earning Capacity Analysis, Expert Testimony States served: New Jersey, New York ### Christina Rivera, R.N., B.S.N. - Life Care Planner Credentials: R.N., B.S.N., BLS, ACLS, PALS Christina Rivera is a registered nurse providing life care planning services, drawing on clinical nursing experience to develop comprehensive care cost projections. Specialties: Life Care Planning, Medical Chronology, Clinical Nursing States served: New Jersey, New York ## Additional Team and Staff - Danielle Vallone - Senior Medical Chronologist - Abigail Wolstein - Medical Chronologist - Rebecca Wolstein - Medical Chronologist - Zachary Sperling - Economics Associate / Expert Liaison - Lizette Mendoza - Life Care Plan Administrator - Cara Creighton - Life Care Plan Administrator - Jacqueline Zhinin - Expert Liaison - Jordana Nicholas - Expert Liaison - Shania Llontop - Expert Liaison - Alex Petgrave - Liaison Support Specialist - Pam Gentry - Accounting Representative - Nimfa Wilkerson - Administrative Assistant - Nicholas Mui - Assistant Researcher - Logan Patterson - Assistant Researcher - Jake Mariani - Assistant Researcher - Madeleine Cerone - Medical Summary Intern - Sam Cerone - Strategy Intern ## Services in Detail ### Vocational Expert Services Comprehensive earning capacity evaluations and vocational assessments for litigation. Our vocational experts analyze an individual's ability to work, earn wages, and sustain employment given their education, training, experience, and medical restrictions. Common case types: Personal Injury, Workers' Compensation, Wrongful Termination, Discrimination, Long Term Disability Relevant credentials: CRC, CVE, ABVE/D, FVE, IPEC Engagement process: 1. Engagement and conflict check: We confirm the assignment, check for conflicts, and establish the scope, retainer, and deadlines in a written engagement agreement. 2. Records collection and review: We review medical, educational, vocational, and employment records, along with deposition transcripts and any prior expert reports relevant to vocational capacity. 3. Vocational interview and assessment: When appropriate, we conduct a vocational interview and administer standardized testing to document work history, skills, education, and functional restrictions. 4. Transferable skills and labor market analysis: We complete a transferable skills analysis and labor market survey using O*NET, the Dictionary of Occupational Titles, and Bureau of Labor Statistics data to identify suitable occupations and wage ranges. 5. Earning capacity opinion and report: We compare pre- and post-injury vocational and earning capacity and document the methodology, data sources, and opinions in a written report that meets Daubert and Rule 26 requirements. 6. Testimony: We provide deposition and trial testimony and prepare supplemental opinions as new records or rebuttal reports are produced. Typical timeline: - Engagement and records review: 1 to 3 weeks after records are received - Vocational interview and testing: Scheduled within the review period when required - Analysis and labor market research: 1 to 2 weeks - Draft report: 2 to 4 weeks after the evaluation, depending on scope - Deposition and trial testimony: As scheduled by counsel and the court Fees: Forensic vocational services are billed at an hourly rate for record review, evaluation, analysis, report preparation, and testimony. A retainer is established at the outset and applied against time incurred. The current rate schedule and retainer terms are provided on request and confirmed in a written engagement agreement. ### Life Care Planning Individualized, evidence-based life care plans that project the future medical and non-medical needs of individuals with catastrophic injuries or chronic conditions. Each plan details the cost of care across a patient's remaining life expectancy. Common case types: Personal Injury, Medical Malpractice, Traumatic Brain Injury, Workers' Compensation Relevant credentials: CLCP, CRC, RN Engagement process: 1. Engagement and records collection: We confirm scope and conflicts, establish the retainer, and gather medical records, imaging, and provider information. 2. Medical records review and chronology: We review the medical record in detail and build a chronology of diagnoses, treatment, and current clinical status. 3. Clinical interview and assessment: When appropriate, we interview the evaluee and family and coordinate with treating providers to document functional status and ongoing needs. 4. Future care planning: We project future medical, rehabilitative, equipment, medication, and support needs across the remaining life expectancy, consistent with published life care planning standards. 5. Cost research and plan preparation: We price each item using geographically specific cost data and document the basis for every recommendation in a written plan. 6. Testimony: We provide deposition and trial testimony and update the plan as the clinical picture or records change. Typical timeline: - Engagement and records collection: 1 to 3 weeks - Records review and chronology: 2 to 4 weeks, depending on record volume - Clinical interview and provider collaboration: Scheduled within the review period - Cost research and draft plan: 3 to 6 weeks after the assessment - Deposition and trial testimony: As scheduled by counsel and the court Fees: Life care planning is billed at an hourly rate for records review, clinical interview, provider collaboration, cost research, plan preparation, and testimony. A retainer is established at the outset and applied against time incurred. The current rate schedule and retainer terms are provided on request and confirmed in a written engagement agreement. ### Forensic Economic Evaluations Financial impact analysis quantifying economic damages including lost earnings, lost earning capacity, lost household services, and other economic losses. Our economists provide present-value calculations and expert testimony. Common case types: Personal Injury, Wrongful Death, Medical Malpractice, Wrongful Termination Relevant credentials: Ph.D., CPA, CFE More information: https://kweconomics.com Engagement process: 1. Engagement and data collection: We confirm scope and conflicts, establish the retainer, and collect earnings records, tax returns, and the vocational or life care foundation for the damages. 2. Earnings and benefits analysis: We establish pre- and post-injury earnings, fringe benefits, and household services using wage data and the individual's documented history. 3. Worklife and assumptions: We apply worklife expectancy, earnings growth, and discount rate assumptions drawn from government data and peer-reviewed sources. 4. Present-value modeling: We calculate the present value of past and future losses and prepare sensitivity analysis across reasonable assumption ranges. 5. Report: We document the methodology, data sources, and calculations in a written report that meets Daubert and Rule 26 requirements. 6. Testimony: We provide deposition and trial testimony and prepare rebuttal analyses of opposing economic opinions. Typical timeline: - Engagement and data collection: 1 to 2 weeks - Analysis and modeling: 2 to 4 weeks after records are received - Draft report: 1 to 2 weeks after the analysis - Rebuttal or supplemental analysis: As opposing reports are produced - Deposition and trial testimony: As scheduled by counsel and the court Fees: Economic analysis is billed at an hourly rate for data review, modeling, report preparation, and testimony. A retainer is established at the outset and applied against time incurred. The current rate schedule and retainer terms are provided on request and confirmed in a written engagement agreement. ### Loss of Household Services Evaluation and quantification of lost household services - the unpaid domestic work an injured person can no longer perform. Assessments cover childcare, home maintenance, meal preparation, and other household production activities. Common case types: Personal Injury, Wrongful Death, Motor Vehicle Accident Relevant credentials: CRC, CVE, OT Engagement process: 1. Engagement and records review: We confirm scope and conflicts, establish the retainer, and review records describing the household and the injury's functional impact. 2. Household activity interview: When appropriate, we interview the individual and family to document the pre-injury division of household labor and current limitations. 3. Task and hour quantification: We quantify the household tasks affected and the hours typically devoted to each, using recognized household production frameworks. 4. Replacement-cost valuation: We apply replacement-cost wage data for the relevant tasks and geographic area. 5. Report: We document the methodology and findings in a written report, coordinating present-value calculation with a forensic economist when required. 6. Testimony: We provide deposition and trial testimony as needed. Typical timeline: - Engagement and records review: 1 to 2 weeks - Interview and quantification: Scheduled within the review period - Valuation and draft report: 2 to 3 weeks after the interview - Economic coordination: As required for present-value calculation - Deposition and trial testimony: As scheduled by counsel and the court Fees: Household services analysis is billed at an hourly rate for review, interview, research, report preparation, and testimony. A retainer is established at the outset and applied against time incurred. The current rate schedule and retainer terms are provided on request and confirmed in a written engagement agreement. ### Matrimonial & Family Law Services Vocational assessments for matrimonial and family law matters. We evaluate the employability and earning potential of spouses in divorce proceedings, providing objective analysis of vocational capacity for alimony and equitable distribution determinations. Common case types: Matrimonial, Family Law, Divorce Relevant credentials: CRC, CVE, ABVE/D Engagement process: 1. Engagement and conflict check: We confirm scope and conflicts, establish the retainer, and clarify whether the assignment covers one or both parties. 2. Records review: We review education, employment, and financial records relevant to vocational capacity and earning potential. 3. Vocational interview and testing: When appropriate, we conduct a vocational interview and administer standardized testing to document skills, education, and work history. 4. Labor market and earning capacity analysis: We complete a labor market survey and earning capacity analysis for the relevant geographic area. 5. Report: We document the methodology and opinions in a written report suitable for alimony and equitable distribution determinations. 6. Testimony: We provide deposition and trial testimony as needed. Typical timeline: - Engagement and records review: 1 to 2 weeks - Vocational interview and testing: Scheduled within the review period - Analysis and draft report: 2 to 4 weeks after the evaluation - Deposition and trial testimony: As scheduled by counsel and the court Fees: Matrimonial vocational services are billed at an hourly rate for review, evaluation, report preparation, and testimony. A retainer is established at the outset and applied against time incurred. The current rate schedule and retainer terms are provided on request and confirmed in a written engagement agreement. ### Standard of Care Reviews Medical-legal standard of care analysis and adherence reviews conducted by board-certified physicians. We evaluate whether the care provided met accepted medical standards, supporting medical malpractice and professional liability cases. Common case types: Medical Malpractice, Professional Liability Relevant credentials: M.D., Board Certified Engagement process: 1. Engagement and conflict check: We confirm the clinical questions, check for conflicts, and establish the retainer and scope. 2. Medical records review: A board-certified physician reviews the medical record, imaging, and relevant clinical documentation. 3. Standard of care analysis: We evaluate whether the care provided met accepted clinical standards, supported by the medical literature. 4. Opinion and report: We document the findings, the applicable standard, and the basis for each opinion in a written report that meets Daubert and Rule 26 requirements. 5. Testimony: We provide deposition and trial testimony and prepare rebuttal opinions as opposing reports are produced. Typical timeline: - Engagement and records review: 1 to 2 weeks - Clinical analysis: 2 to 4 weeks, depending on record volume - Draft report: 1 to 2 weeks after the analysis - Deposition and trial testimony: As scheduled by counsel and the court Fees: Standard of care reviews are conducted by board-certified physicians and billed at an hourly rate for record review, analysis, report preparation, and testimony. A retainer is established at the outset and applied against time incurred. The current rate schedule and retainer terms are provided on request and confirmed in a written engagement agreement. ### Expert Witness Testimony Qualified expert witness testimony for depositions and trial. Our experts have provided testimony in state and federal courts across the country on vocational, economic, and life care planning matters. Common case types: Personal Injury, Workers' Compensation, Medical Malpractice, Wrongful Death, Wrongful Termination, Matrimonial Relevant credentials: Ph.D., CRC, CLCP, CVE, ABVE/D Engagement process: 1. Engagement and file review: We confirm scope and conflicts, establish the retainer, and review the report, file, and any opposing expert opinions. 2. Preparation with counsel: We prepare with retaining counsel, identify the key opinions and their bases, and anticipate cross-examination. 3. Deposition: We provide deposition testimony on the methodology, data sources, and opinions in the report. 4. Trial preparation: We prepare exhibits and demonstratives and coordinate with counsel on the order and scope of direct examination. 5. Trial testimony: We provide trial testimony and respond to rebuttal and cross-examination. Typical timeline: - Engagement and file review: 1 to 2 weeks before the deposition - Preparation with counsel: As scheduled before testimony - Deposition: As noticed by the parties - Trial testimony: As scheduled by the court Fees: Testimony is billed at an hourly rate for preparation and at the applicable rate for deposition and trial time. A retainer is established at the outset and applied against time incurred. The current rate schedule, including deposition and trial rates, is provided on request and confirmed in a written engagement agreement. ### Expert Disclosure Pre-trial expert disclosure deliverables for state-specific compliance. Each US jurisdiction has its own civil procedure framework governing what must be disclosed, when, and in what form. KWVRS provides state-by-state expert disclosure services for attorneys in all 50 states plus DC and US territories. Attorneys are responsible for confirming the governing rule against primary sources for their specific case. Common case types: Personal Injury, Workers' Compensation, Wrongful Death, Wrongful Termination, Medical Malpractice, Matrimonial Relevant credentials: CRC, CVE, ABVE/D, CLCP, Ph.D. ## Case Types ### Traumatic Brain Injury Traumatic brain injury (TBI) cases involve a bump, blow, or jolt to the head, or a penetrating head injury, that disrupts normal brain function. Vocational and economic damages in TBI matters are often complex because cognitive, behavioral, and emotional sequelae may coexist with physical limitations, and the injured person's pre-injury earning capacity must be reconstructed from education, training, work history, and transferable skills. Vocational impact: TBI can reduce sustained attention, executive function, processing speed, short-term memory, and emotional regulation. These limitations often prevent an individual from returning to skilled or high-demand occupations, and in moderate-to-severe cases may preclude competitive employment entirely. A vocational evaluation establishes residual work capacity, employability, and placeability in the relevant labor market, integrating neuropsychological test results with medical restrictions and transferable skills analysis. Economic exposure: Economic damages in TBI matters commonly include lost earnings, lost earning capacity, lost household services, lost fringe benefits, and the present value of future wage loss across the claimant's worklife expectancy. In catastrophic cases damages can extend into lost retirement contributions and reduced worklife expectancy. Life care impact: Life care plans for TBI routinely address cognitive rehabilitation, neuropsychological follow-up, medications, assistive technology, case management, home modifications, attendant care, and in severe cases 24-hour supervised care. Plans are typically built in coordination with the treating physiatrist, neurologist, and neuropsychologist. ### Spinal Cord Injury Spinal cord injury (SCI) cases address the vocational, economic, and life-care consequences of partial or complete loss of motor or sensory function below the level of injury. Outcomes vary substantially with neurological level and ASIA Impairment Scale classification, which drives the scope of both vocational opinion and life care plan. Vocational impact: Depending on neurological level, individuals with SCI may retain capacity for seated, sedentary, or technology-assisted work, or may require substantial workplace accommodation. Vocational evaluation establishes residual functional capacity, ergonomic requirements, and realistic occupational options within the relevant labor market, including assistive technology considerations. Economic exposure: Damages typically include past and future lost earnings, loss of earning capacity, lost household services, lost fringe benefits, and the present value of a comprehensive life care plan. Household services losses can be particularly significant in SCI cases. Life care impact: Life care plans for SCI commonly address routine medical care, rehabilitation therapies, durable medical equipment (wheelchairs, transfer aids, pressure-relief surfaces), home modifications, vehicle modifications, attendant care or personal care attendants, bowel and bladder supplies, and periodic replacements of equipment over the lifespan. ### Amputation Amputation cases involve the loss of a limb or part of a limb, with vocational, economic, and life-care implications driven by level of amputation, dominant versus non-dominant side, and the physical demands of the claimant's prior occupation. Prosthetic technology, replacement intervals, and ongoing rehabilitation are central to life care planning. Vocational impact: Upper extremity amputations typically affect fine motor tasks, bilateral coordination, and lifting capacity. Lower extremity amputations affect standing, walking, and ambulation tolerance. A vocational evaluation integrates medical restrictions, prosthetic function, and transferable skills to determine residual employment options. Economic exposure: Damages commonly include past and future lost earnings, loss of earning capacity, lost household services, prosthetic costs with projected replacements, and the present value of the full life care plan. Life care impact: Life care plans for amputation routinely include prosthetic devices and components with documented replacement intervals, socket replacements, gait training, occupational therapy, skin care supplies, residual limb care, and when appropriate osseointegration follow-up or advanced myoelectric technology. ### Wrongful Death Wrongful death cases quantify the economic loss to survivors and the estate resulting from a decedent's death, most commonly as lost earnings, lost fringe benefits, lost household services, and lost personal services or guidance. The vocational component reconstructs the decedent's pre-death earning capacity; the economic component reduces projected losses to present value net of personal consumption. Vocational impact: For a decedent, the vocational component reconstructs earning capacity at the time of death using education, training, work history, industry trajectories, and labor market data. In some jurisdictions, a claimant spouse's earning capacity is also evaluated where household services or income contributions are at issue. Economic exposure: Damages typically include lost earnings and earning capacity across the decedent's worklife, lost fringe benefits, lost household services, and in some jurisdictions loss of personal consortium, care, guidance, and advice. Projections are reduced to present value using appropriate discount rates and net of personal consumption. ### Medical Malpractice Medical malpractice cases address injury allegedly caused by a deviation from the accepted standard of care. Vocational, economic, and life-care analyses typically accompany standard-of-care and causation opinions, quantifying the incremental harm attributable to the alleged breach. Vocational impact: Vocational opinions in medical malpractice focus on the post-injury loss relative to the but-for baseline, integrating the claimant's pre-event vocational profile with medical restrictions attributable to the alleged breach. Where pre-existing conditions are present, apportionment is a key consideration. Economic exposure: Damages typically include past and future lost earnings, loss of earning capacity, lost household services, and present value of a life care plan focused on incremental care attributable to the alleged breach rather than unrelated baseline care. Life care impact: Medical malpractice life care plans generally isolate incremental future medical and non-medical needs attributable to the alleged breach, separating baseline care the claimant would have required absent the event. ### Burn Injury Burn injury cases involve thermal, chemical, electrical, or radiation burns with vocational and life-care consequences driven by total body surface area, depth, location, and complications such as contractures, scarring, and psychological sequelae. Vocational impact: Burn survivors may face limitations in heat tolerance, sun exposure, manual dexterity, and public-facing work due to visible scarring. A vocational evaluation integrates reconstructive surgical plans, medical restrictions, and psychological factors when identifying suitable occupational options. Economic exposure: Damages include lost earnings, lost earning capacity, lost household services, and present value of future reconstructive surgeries, skin care, compression garments, and psychological treatment. Life care impact: Plans commonly include staged reconstructive surgery, compression garments with replacement intervals, specialized wound care supplies, scar management, physical and occupational therapy, and mental health services addressing PTSD and body image concerns. ### Personal Injury Personal injury cases encompass a broad range of physical and psychological harms arising from negligence. Vocational, economic, and life-care experts quantify the functional, earnings, and care consequences of the injury. Vocational impact: A vocational evaluation establishes residual functional capacity, transferable skills, and labor market options consistent with post-injury medical restrictions. The analysis supports earning capacity opinion and accommodation planning. Economic exposure: Damages may include past and future lost earnings, loss of earning capacity, lost household services, lost fringe benefits, and present value of any needed life care plan. ### Workers' Compensation Workers' compensation matters involve work-related injury or illness with vocational rehabilitation, return-to-work analysis, and earning capacity components governed by state-specific statutes. Vocational impact: Vocational analysis in workers' compensation focuses on return-to-work planning, job analysis of the pre-injury position, identification of alternative work within medical restrictions, and when applicable retraining or vocational rehabilitation services. Economic exposure: Economic exposure varies by jurisdiction and commonly includes temporary total disability, permanent partial or total disability, vocational rehabilitation services, and in some cases lump-sum settlements calculated against earning capacity. ### Long Term Disability Long-term disability (LTD) matters assess whether a claimant is capable of performing their own or any occupation under the applicable policy definition, drawing on medical records, functional capacity evaluations, and labor market analysis. Vocational impact: LTD vocational analysis applies the relevant policy definition (own occupation, any occupation, reasonable occupation) to the claimant's documented functional capacity and transferable skills, identifying whether suitable occupations exist within medical restrictions. Economic exposure: Exposure is defined by the policy - monthly benefit amount, offsets, cost-of-living adjustments, and benefit duration to the policy maximum age. ### Wrongful Termination Wrongful termination cases quantify back pay, front pay, and mitigation efforts, often requiring a vocational evaluation of the claimant's post-termination job search, marketable skills, and comparable-occupation wage data. Vocational impact: Vocational analysis addresses the claimant's reasonable job search, the availability of comparable positions in the relevant labor market, and the time required to secure comparable or alternative employment. Economic exposure: Damages typically include back pay (from termination to trial), front pay (from trial to expected re-employment), lost benefits, and loss of earning capacity where applicable. Mitigation offsets apply. ### Matrimonial Matrimonial vocational evaluations quantify earning capacity for support and maintenance determinations, often where one spouse has been out of the workforce or is imputed an earning capacity different from actual income. Vocational impact: A vocational evaluation reconstructs the spouse's earning capacity based on education, training, work history, and local labor market conditions, addressing any re-entry timeline and retraining needs. Economic exposure: Exposure is defined by jurisdictional support formulas applied to imputed or actual income. Vocational opinions can significantly affect temporary and permanent support determinations. ### Motor Vehicle Accident 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 impact: Vocational analysis translates MVA-related injuries (orthopedic, TBI, SCI, chronic pain) into residual functional capacity and occupational options within the relevant labor market. Economic exposure: Damages commonly include lost earnings, lost earning capacity, lost household services, and present value of future care in moderate-to-catastrophic cases. Life care impact: 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. ## Professional Credentials ### CRC - Certified Rehabilitation Counselor Issuer: Commission on Rehabilitation Counselor Certification The CRC is the recognized national certification for rehabilitation counselors. Scope of practice includes assessment, counseling, case management, job analysis, labor market survey, transferable skills analysis, and expert testimony related to earning capacity, employability, and vocational rehabilitation services. ### CLCP - Certified Life Care Planner Issuer: International Commission on Health Care Certification The CLCP is the recognized certification for life care planners. Scope includes development of comprehensive, individualized life care plans for individuals with catastrophic injuries or chronic conditions, with projected cost and frequency of all recommended care. ### CVE - Certified Vocational Evaluator Issuer: Commission on Certification of Work Adjustment and Vocational Evaluation Specialists The CVE credential indicates specialized expertise in vocational evaluation, including standardized testing, work sample assessment, situational assessment, and interpretation of aptitudes, interests, and work behaviors for vocational recommendation. ### ABVE/D - American Board of Vocational Experts Diplomate Issuer: American Board of Vocational Experts The ABVE Diplomate is an advanced forensic credential recognizing expertise in vocational evaluation and expert testimony for litigation. Scope covers earning capacity, employability, vocational rehabilitation, and expert witness practice. ### ABVE/F - American Board of Vocational Experts Fellow Issuer: American Board of Vocational Experts The ABVE Fellow designation recognizes senior forensic vocational experts with documented advanced experience in expert testimony, complex earning capacity cases, and contributions to the profession. ### LRC - Licensed Rehabilitation Counselor Issuer: State Licensing Boards LRC is a state-granted license authorizing independent practice as a rehabilitation counselor within the licensing state. Scope varies by jurisdiction and typically covers vocational counseling, case management, and rehabilitation services. ### FVE - Fellow of Vocational Evaluation Issuer: Vocational Evaluation and Work Adjustment Association The FVE designation recognizes senior practitioners in vocational evaluation and work adjustment services. ### IPEC - International Psychometric Evaluation Certification Issuer: International Association of Rehabilitation Professionals IPEC recognizes specialized training in psychometric assessment for vocational evaluation, including administration and interpretation of standardized instruments. ### CEAS - Certified Ergonomic Assessment Specialist Issuer: The Back School CEAS certifies practitioners in ergonomic assessment and job site analysis for injury prevention, return-to-work, and litigation support. ### M.D. - Doctor of Medicine Issuer: Accredited Medical Schools + State Boards The M.D. degree and associated state licensure authorize the practice of medicine. In forensic contexts, physicians provide opinions on diagnosis, causation, standard of care, prognosis, and medical recommendations underlying life care plans. ### Ph.D. - Doctor of Philosophy Issuer: Accredited Universities Ph.D.-level preparation in rehabilitation counseling, psychology, economics, or related fields supports doctoral-level forensic expertise including research design, advanced assessment, and testimony on specialized topics. ### CPRW - Certified Professional Resume Writer Issuer: Professional Association of Resume Writers & Career Coaches The CPRW credential recognizes expertise in resume writing and career documentation, which in forensic settings supports placement analysis and mitigation evaluation in employment cases. ## Methodologies ### Transferable Skills Analysis Transferable skills analysis (TSA) is a vocational methodology that identifies occupations a person could perform based on skills developed in past work, applied to current medical and functional restrictions and labor market conditions. When used: TSA is used in earning capacity analysis, return-to-work planning, employability opinions in LTD matters, and post-injury vocational evaluation. ### Labor Market Survey A labor market survey (LMS) documents the availability of specific occupations in the claimant's relevant labor market, typically including wage ranges, employer names, and openings. When used: LMS is used to translate theoretical transferability into actual occupational availability in the claimant's geographic area. ### Worklife Expectancy Worklife expectancy is the number of additional years a person of a given age, sex, education, and labor force status is expected to be economically active. Published tables are used to bound future earnings projections. When used: Worklife expectancy is used in virtually every forensic economic analysis of lost earnings or earning capacity, and in wrongful death matters to project the decedent's expected work years. ### Present Value Analysis Present value analysis reduces a projected stream of future damages to a single lump sum equivalent in today's dollars, accounting for the time value of money and expected growth of the underlying cash flows. When used: Present value analysis is used to express future lost earnings, lost household services, and future medical/non-medical care in a single lump sum for trial or settlement purposes. ### Hedonic Damages Hedonic damages refer to the economic value of loss of enjoyment of life, distinct from economic earnings loss. Methodology and admissibility vary by jurisdiction. When used: Hedonic damages analyses are offered in jurisdictions that permit them. Many jurisdictions permit generalized loss-of-enjoyment-of-life testimony but exclude dollar quantification. ### Collateral Source Analysis Collateral source analysis addresses the effect of insurance, public benefits, or third-party payments on damages, depending on the jurisdiction's collateral source rule. When used: Collateral source analysis is used where jurisdictional rules permit or require offsets for insurance or benefit payments related to the injury. ### Dictionary of Occupational Titles The Dictionary of Occupational Titles (DOT) is a U.S. Department of Labor reference that classifies over 12,000 occupations by title, code, physical demands, working conditions, and specific vocational preparation (SVP). When used: DOT remains a core reference in vocational evaluation, Social Security disability determinations, and transferable skills analysis. ### O*NET Analysis O*NET OnLine is the U.S. Department of Labor's successor to the DOT, providing continuously updated information on occupational tasks, skills, knowledge, abilities, work activities, and labor market statistics. When used: O*NET is used alongside the DOT for current occupational information, particularly for newer occupations or when task-level detail is required. ### Life Care Plan Development Life care plan development is a structured process that translates treating-team recommendations, peer-reviewed literature, and geographically matched cost data into a comprehensive projection of future medical and non-medical care needs. When used: Life care planning is used in catastrophic injury, medical malpractice, and chronic disease cases to quantify future care costs for trial or settlement purposes. ### Functional Capacity Evaluation A functional capacity evaluation (FCE) is a standardized assessment of a person's physical capacity to perform work-related activities, typically conducted by an occupational or physical therapist over one or two days. When used: FCEs are used to establish return-to-work capacity, permanent restrictions, and as a foundation for vocational opinion on employability. ## Guides - Expert Witness Disclosure: A Practitioner Overview: Pre-trial expert disclosure typically requires a written statement of the expert's identity, opinions, the bases for those opinions, qualifications, prior testimony, and compensation. Content and timing requirements vary by jurisdiction. Missing a disclosure requirement is a common basis for expert exclusion. Attorneys are responsible for confirming the governing framework against primary sources. - Economic Damages for Self-Employed Claimants: Self-employment damages analysis reconstructs lost income from tax returns, 1099s, bank records, and business documents, adjusting for business expenses and the distinction between owner compensation and return on capital. Expect disputes about profit versus wage components. - Standard of Care Analysis in Medical Litigation: Standard of care analysis establishes whether a healthcare provider's conduct met the accepted standard of practice for the specialty at the time and place of treatment. It is the threshold opinion in medical malpractice litigation and requires a qualified physician expert. - Social Security Disability and Vocational Evidence: SSA disability adjudication uses a sequential evaluation process ending with vocational questions at steps 4 and 5. Vocational experts apply DOT terminology and SSA-specific frameworks that differ from civil-litigation vocational analysis. - Vocational Rehabilitation Services Explained: Vocational rehabilitation services help individuals with disabilities prepare for, obtain, maintain, or regain employment. State VR agencies provide services under the Rehabilitation Act. In litigation, vocational rehabilitation services can form part of a life care plan or workers' compensation remedy. - Loss of Household Services in Damages: Loss of household services quantifies the unpaid work an injured person or decedent would have contributed to the household. It is valued using time-use survey data and local market wage rates for equivalent services such as childcare, home maintenance, meal preparation, and transportation. - What Records Does a Vocational Expert Need?: A complete vocational evaluation typically requires medical records, educational records, employment history with wage documentation, any functional capacity evaluation, neuropsychological testing if applicable, and prior vocational testing or deposition transcripts when available. - The Collateral Source Rule, Explained: The collateral source rule governs whether insurance, Medicare, Medicaid, or other third-party payments offset a defendant's liability for damages. Some jurisdictions preserve the traditional rule (no offset); others have modified or abrogated it by statute. - Expert Testimony Admissibility: Federal vs. State Court: Federal courts apply a reliability-based gatekeeping framework that considers the methodology's testability, peer review, error rate, controlling standards, and general acceptance. State courts vary: some apply a similar reliability framework, others apply a narrower general-acceptance test, and several use distinctive hybrid frameworks. Experts should prepare testimony that satisfies the most demanding of the potentially applicable standards. Attorneys are responsible for confirming the governing framework against primary sources. - Hedonic Damages, Explained: Hedonic damages compensate loss of enjoyment of life, distinct from economic losses. Methodology typically draws on value-of-statistical-life literature, but admissibility of quantified hedonic damages varies substantially by jurisdiction. Many courts admit qualitative testimony but exclude dollar quantification. - Earning Capacity vs. Lost Earnings: What's the Difference?: Lost earnings are actual wages the claimant did not receive. Lost earning capacity is a vocational concept measuring the reduction in ability to earn, whether or not that capacity was fully realized before injury. Catastrophic cases often need both. - What is Transferable Skills Analysis (TSA)?: TSA identifies occupations a person could perform based on skills developed in past work, applied to current medical restrictions and labor market conditions. It is the core methodology underlying most vocational expert opinions. - Future Medical Costs in Personal Injury Cases: Future medical costs are typically projected in a life care plan prepared by a CLCP, then reduced to present value by a forensic economist. Methodology combines treating-team recommendations, peer-reviewed duration literature, and geographically matched cost data. - How Long Does a Vocational Evaluation Take?: A complete vocational evaluation, from engagement to final report, typically runs 30-60 days depending on records volume, whether in-person evaluation is performed, and reviewer availability. Rush timelines can be accommodated when requested early. - Worklife Expectancy: How Economists Project Remaining Work Years: Worklife expectancy is the number of additional years a person of a given age, sex, education, and labor force status is expected to be economically active. Forensic economists use published tables (Skoog-Ciecka-Krueger and predecessors) as the foundation for future earnings projections. - When Do You Need an Expert Witness in Your Case?: An expert witness is warranted when the case involves earning capacity, employability, life care planning, forensic economics, or medical standard of care. Courts admit expert testimony where specialized knowledge will help the trier of fact understand evidence or determine a fact in issue. Retain early so the expert can inform discovery and strategy. - Vocational Expert Cost and Engagement: What Attorneys Should Expect: Vocational expert engagements are typically billed hourly across four phases: initial review, evaluation, report writing, and testimony. Total cost varies with case complexity, expert credentialing, and whether in-person evaluation and testimony are required. A written engagement letter should itemize hourly rates, retainer, and scope. - Vocational Expert Methodology Standards: A Practitioner Guide: Vocational expert testimony must satisfy the governing court's reliability framework: testimony grounded in sufficient facts or data, derived from accepted principles and methods, and reliably applied to the facts. Well-documented transferable skills analysis, labor market survey, and use of accepted references (DOT, O*NET, BLS) routinely meet these standards. Attorneys are responsible for confirming the governing framework against primary sources. - How to Hire a Vocational Expert: A Practical Guide for Attorneys: Selecting a vocational expert comes down to credentialing (CRC, CVE, ABVE/D or F), testifying experience in the relevant jurisdiction, case-type specialization, and clear methodology. Early retention matters. Expect a written engagement agreement, a scope that covers evaluation, report, and testimony, and defined deliverable timelines. - What is a Life Care Plan?: A life care plan is a dynamic document that projects the future medical and non-medical care needs of an individual with a catastrophic injury or chronic condition, with itemized frequencies and costs across the expected lifespan. Certified life care planners follow published standards (IALCP, IARP) and build plans from treating-team recommendations, peer-reviewed duration literature, and geographically matched cost data. ## Comparisons ### Forensic Vocational Expert vs. Social Security VE Forensic Vocational Expert compared with Social Security Vocational Expert. When Forensic Vocational Expert applies: Retain a forensic vocational expert for civil litigation, workers' compensation, long-term disability, or family court matters. When Social Security Vocational Expert applies: Engage a Social Security VE through the SSA ALJ process when claimants contest disability determinations. ### ABVE Diplomate vs. CRC ABVE Diplomate (ABVE/D) compared with Certified Rehabilitation Counselor (CRC). When ABVE Diplomate (ABVE/D) applies: Look for ABVE/D when retaining for high-stakes or complex forensic vocational work. When Certified Rehabilitation Counselor (CRC) applies: Require CRC as the baseline credential for any vocational role, forensic or clinical. ### Lump Sum vs. Present Value in Damages Lump Sum compared with Present Value. When Lump Sum applies: Rarely appropriate as the sole figure for future damages; can be a component of reporting. When Present Value applies: Standard practice for future damages projections at trial or settlement. ### Life Care Plan vs. Future Cost Projection Life Care Plan compared with Future Medical Cost Projection. When Life Care Plan applies: Prefer a full life care plan when damages include long-term care across multiple categories. When Future Medical Cost Projection applies: A simpler projection may suffice when the scope is limited to a single medical category or short horizon. ### In-Person Evaluation vs. File Review In-Person Evaluation compared with File Review. When In-Person Evaluation applies: Prefer in-person evaluation in catastrophic cases, where cognitive or behavioral factors matter, or where the defense has raised consistency concerns. When File Review applies: File review is appropriate when records are complete and direct observation adds limited value. ### Forensic Economist vs. Accountant Forensic Economist compared with Accountant. When Forensic Economist applies: Retain a forensic economist when personal damages (lost earnings, earning capacity, present value of future care) are at issue. When Accountant applies: Retain an accountant (often a forensic accountant) when business valuation, financial fraud analysis, or commercial damages are at issue. ### Functional Capacity Evaluation (FCE) vs. Independent Medical Examination (IME) Functional Capacity Evaluation (FCE) compared with Independent Medical Examination (IME). When Functional Capacity Evaluation (FCE) applies: Use an FCE when physical work capacity must be quantified for return-to-work or vocational opinion purposes. When Independent Medical Examination (IME) applies: Use an IME when diagnostic, causation, or prognosis questions need physician-level opinion, often on behalf of the defense. ### CRC vs. LRC: National Certification vs. State License Certified Rehabilitation Counselor (CRC) compared with Licensed Rehabilitation Counselor (LRC). When Certified Rehabilitation Counselor (CRC) applies: Look for CRC certification as a minimum baseline for forensic vocational work in any jurisdiction. When Licensed Rehabilitation Counselor (LRC) applies: Confirm state licensure when the jurisdiction requires it for practice or testimony. ### Work Capacity Evaluation vs. Functional Capacity Evaluation Work Capacity Evaluation compared with Functional Capacity Evaluation. When Work Capacity Evaluation applies: Use a work capacity evaluation when the target occupation is defined and the question is whether the individual can perform it. When Functional Capacity Evaluation applies: Use an FCE when general work capacity must be quantified across a range of possible occupations. ### Plaintiff Expert vs. Defense Expert: Is the Methodology Different? Plaintiff Expert compared with Defense Expert. When Plaintiff Expert applies: Retain when representing an injured claimant or a plaintiff in litigation. When Defense Expert applies: Retain when representing a defendant or insurer. ### Life Care Plan vs. Medical Chronology Life Care Plan compared with Medical Chronology. When Life Care Plan applies: Use a life care plan to quantify future care costs for trial, settlement, or mediation in catastrophic injury or chronic disease cases. When Medical Chronology applies: Use a medical chronology to summarize the record for internal review, deposition preparation, or to support other experts preparing opinions. ### Forensic Vocational Expert vs. Rehabilitation Counselor Forensic Vocational Expert compared with Rehabilitation Counselor. When Forensic Vocational Expert applies: Retain a forensic vocational expert when earning capacity, employability, or vocational damages are at issue in litigation. When Rehabilitation Counselor applies: Engage a rehabilitation counselor when the goal is to help an individual return to work or access rehabilitation services outside of litigation. ### Certified Life Care Planner (CLCP) vs. Case Manager Certified Life Care Planner (CLCP) compared with Case Manager. When Certified Life Care Planner (CLCP) applies: Retain a CLCP when projecting lifetime care costs for a catastrophic injury or chronic condition, typically for trial, mediation, or settlement purposes. When Case Manager applies: Engage a case manager when coordinating active medical care, provider access, or insurance authorizations during the active treatment period. ### CRC vs. CVE: Certified Rehabilitation Counselor vs. Certified Vocational Evaluator Certified Rehabilitation Counselor (CRC) compared with Certified Vocational Evaluator (CVE). When Certified Rehabilitation Counselor (CRC) applies: Retain a CRC when the case requires earning capacity opinion, labor market analysis, employability assessment, or expert testimony on vocational issues. When Certified Vocational Evaluator (CVE) applies: Retain a CVE when in-depth standardized testing, work-sample evaluation, or situational assessment is needed to characterize aptitudes and work behaviors. ### Vocational Expert vs. Career Counselor Vocational Expert compared with Career Counselor. When Vocational Expert applies: Retain a vocational expert when earning capacity, employability, or labor market questions are contested in litigation. When Career Counselor applies: Engage a career counselor when an individual needs help with career choice, job search, or professional transition outside of a litigation context. ## Frequently Asked Questions ### What is a vocational expert and what do they do? A vocational expert (VE) is a credentialed professional who evaluates an individual's ability to work, earn wages, and sustain employment given their education, training, experience, and any medical restrictions. In litigation, vocational experts provide opinions on employability, earning capacity, and labor market conditions. KWVRS vocational experts hold credentials such as CRC, CVE, and ABVE/D. ### What types of cases does KWVRS accept? KWVRS accepts cases across a wide range of practice areas, including personal injury, workers' compensation, medical malpractice, wrongful death, wrongful termination, long-term disability, and matrimonial/family law. We represent both plaintiff and defense, and our opinions are based solely on the evidence. ### What is a life care plan? A life care plan is an individualized, evidence-based document that projects the future medical and non-medical care needs of a person with a catastrophic injury or chronic condition. It details the cost of all recommended care across the claimant's remaining life expectancy and is typically used to calculate future damages in litigation. KWVRS's certified life care planners (CLCPs) prepare plans that comply with IARP and IALMCP standards. ### What is forensic economic analysis? Forensic economic analysis quantifies the economic damages resulting from injury or death. This includes lost earnings, lost earning capacity, lost household services, and fringe benefits - all calculated in present value. KWVRS's affiliated forensic economists at kweconomics.com provide these analyses for personal injury, wrongful death, and wrongful termination cases. ### How is an earning capacity evaluation different from a wage loss calculation? Wage loss is a forensic economic calculation - the difference between what someone earned pre-injury and what they now earn or are expected to earn. Earning capacity evaluation is a vocational determination - it establishes what an injured person is vocationally capable of earning, given their transferable skills, labor market conditions, and medical restrictions. Both are typically needed in catastrophic injury cases. ### Are KWVRS experts qualified to testify in federal court? Yes. KWVRS experts hold nationally recognized certifications and have provided testimony in state and federal courts throughout the country. Our vocational experts are prepared to withstand Daubert scrutiny and cross-examination on methodology, data sources, and professional standards. ### Does KWVRS work in all 50 states? Yes. KWVRS accepts cases in all 50 states, the District of Columbia, and U.S. territories. Our experts are familiar with jurisdiction-specific vocational rehabilitation agency frameworks, court rules regarding expert testimony, and local labor market conditions. ### How long does it take to receive a vocational evaluation report? Report turnaround time depends on the complexity of the case, availability of medical records, and whether an in-person evaluation is required. In most cases, we can deliver an initial evaluation report within 30-45 days of receiving complete case materials. Rush timelines may be available - contact us to discuss your deadline. ### What credentials should I look for in a vocational expert? For litigation purposes, look for a Certified Rehabilitation Counselor (CRC), Certified Vocational Evaluator (CVE), or Diplomate of the American Board of Vocational Experts (ABVE/D). These credentials require a graduate degree, supervised experience, and passing a national examination. KWVRS's lead experts hold multiple credentials, including Ph.D.-level academic qualifications. ### Can KWVRS provide a life care plan and vocational evaluation for the same case? Yes, and this is often the most efficient approach for catastrophic injury matters. KWVRS's multidisciplinary team can coordinate a vocational evaluation, life care plan, and forensic economic analysis for the same case, ensuring consistency across opinions and reducing the burden on the retaining attorney. ### What is the difference between a vocational expert and an occupational therapist? A vocational expert evaluates labor market factors - what jobs someone can perform, what those jobs pay, and whether the person is competitively employable. An occupational therapist (OT) evaluates functional capacity - what physical and cognitive tasks a person can actually perform. In complex injury cases, both are often needed: the OT establishes functional limits, and the vocational expert translates those limits into labor market consequences. ### How do I retain KWVRS for a case? Contact our office by phone at (201) 343-0700 or via the contact form on this website. A member of our intake team will follow up within one business day to discuss case details, required documentation, and expert availability. We accept cases from plaintiff counsel, defense counsel, insurance carriers, and self-represented claimants. ## Geographic Coverage Northeast: Connecticut, Delaware, Maine, Maryland, Massachusetts, New Hampshire, New Jersey, New York, Pennsylvania, Rhode Island, Vermont Southeast: Alabama, Arkansas, Florida, Georgia, Kentucky, Louisiana, Mississippi, North Carolina, South Carolina, Tennessee, Virginia, West Virginia Midwest: Illinois, Indiana, Iowa, Kansas, Michigan, Minnesota, Missouri, Nebraska, North Dakota, Ohio, Oklahoma, South Dakota, Wisconsin West: Alaska, Arizona, California, Colorado, Hawaii, Idaho, Montana, Nevada, New Mexico, Oregon, Texas, Utah, Washington, Wyoming Territories: District of Columbia, Puerto Rico, U.S. Virgin Islands, Guam, American Samoa, Northern Mariana Islands ## Office Locations - Headquarters: Hackensack, New Jersey - Secondary office: Virginia ## Contact Information - Phone: (201) 343-0700 - Website: https://kwvrs.com - Forensic economics: https://kweconomics.com ## How to Engage KWVRS Attorneys, claims professionals, and insurers may contact KWVRS directly to discuss case-specific needs. Initial consultations are available to assess case suitability and expert qualifications. The firm accepts referrals from both plaintiff and defense counsel, and provides a written fee schedule and a cost estimate before any engagement begins.