Woman Is Unable To Return To Work Following Chainsaw Injury

This case involves a 46-year-old woman who was using a 2-year-old chainsaw to cut wood in her backyard. Further investigation revealed that the saw was missing its movable guard. As the woman was cutting through a block of wood, the saw disassembled and the blade caused lacerations to her face, chest, and shoulder. The woman required many surgeries, including facial reconstruction. The woman formerly worked in a client-facing job as a sales professional and was unable to return to work. A vocational expert was sought to opines on the potential complications the woman will experience moving forward.

Question(s) For Expert Witness

1. Please briefly describe your vocational rehabilitation experience with patients who have undergone severe trauma like the patient described.

Expert Witness Response E-164702

I have 10+ years worth of experience in vocational rehabilitation with patients with varied trauma and limitations. This experience includes cases within workers compensation, no-fault insurance, federal or city mandated vocational rehabilitation services, and expert witness testimony. I have experience meticulously reviewing medical documentation and diagnosis of patients who have undergone severe trauma. I use this documentation to determine what the patient's vocational responsibilities and physical requirements were in their previous job setting and provide vocational counseling and job placement assessment regarding their current/potential functional capacity outcome. I have also calculated loss of wage earning capacity. Utilizing an interdisciplinary approach in vocational rehabilitation, I have been able to appropriately identify and place individuals in suitable jobs that are aligned with their skills, academic level, interest and physical capabilities.