It develops a more comprehensive, concrete and clinically credible picture of daily-life function. The evaluating OT investigates the before-and-after, documents specific examples and brings clinical analysis to the findings. The assessment considers retained abilities, limitations, assistance, trade-offs and the effort or recovery involved in ordinary activities.

An OT Functional Evaluation is a functional assessment performed by an independent, state-licensed occupational therapist. It examines real-world function and limitations across daily activities using structured assessment methods and clinical reasoning. It is often used when medical records explain injury, but the file needs clearer documentation of day-to-day function and comparison with the client’s pre-injury baseline.

Attorneys already investigate what has changed in their clients’ lives. An OT evaluation deepens that work with detailed baseline comparison, concrete functional findings and clinical analysis. The evidence can inform the damages presentation and other expert work while freeing the legal team’s capacity for strategy, trial preparation and additional files.

Consider an evaluation when a fuller understanding of function could materially inform the file. Examples include clients who still work but report reduced pace or greater recovery needs, high achievers whose current output obscures substantial change, or unresolved questions about assistance, care needs and work demands.

The network includes occupational therapists licensed across more than 25 states. Availability depends on the client’s location, the functional questions and timing. Contact us to confirm an appropriately licensed evaluator for your file.

Our curated network is supported by specialized training, mentorship and OT-to-OT clinical review. Across the roster, OTs bring experience from more than 100 med-legal evaluations and more than 20 expert-testimony appearances. Individual experience varies; we can share the proposed evaluator’s credentials and relevant experience.

Fees vary based on the scope and type of report, as well as jurisdictional requirements and the specifics of the file. For the most current pricing and options, please contact us and we will share an up-to-date rate card.

An OT Functional Evaluation can be used at multiple stages of a case, depending on the purpose of the evaluation. It may be used to clarify functional questions early in a matter, and it may also be used to support mediation, settlement discussions, and trial preparation when functional impact remains contested or unclear.

Functional findings can give physicians, neuropsychologists, vocational experts and life care planners a fuller basis for their own work. They can also make daily-life consequences more concrete in a damages presentation. The evaluating OT addresses functional questions within OT scope; other experts remain responsible for their own opinions.

An OT Functional Evaluation typically includes review of relevant records, a structured functional interview, validated measures as indicated, and observation of real-world task performance. Reporting describes retained abilities, functional limitations, support needs and the impact on daily life.

No. Findings may draw from records, structured interviewing, observed performance, collateral information and validated measures where appropriate. The report distinguishes reported, corroborated and observed information, addresses material inconsistencies, and explains relevant limitations.

Yes. Targeted evaluations address a defined functional question, while comprehensive evaluations examine multiple areas of daily life and performance. We also offer a Care Navigation Report, an interview-based OT service that documents reported daily-life changes, identifies unresolved care and assessment questions, and recommends appropriate next steps and timing. Unlike a functional evaluation, it does not provide direct performance-testing evidence. Scope is determined based on the questions and needs of the file.

The report identifies the information considered, assessment methods used, relevant findings and limitations, and the clinical reasoning behind the functional opinions. OT-to-OT clinical review focuses on clarity, completeness, clinical reasoning and professional scope. The evaluating OT remains responsible for the conclusions and opinions expressed.

The OT assesses function within professional scope and offers independent opinions. A before-and-after comparison does not itself establish medical causation. Findings may support, qualify or not support reported limitations. The OT is not retained to reach a particular conclusion or determine legal case value.

Yes. The independent occupational therapist who performed the evaluation may be retained to provide testimony within their scope of practice, subject to jurisdictional requirements and case needs. Testimony requirements and processes vary by jurisdiction.

Evaluations are performed by independent, state-licensed occupational therapists. The evaluating OT or professional practice is the provider of record and is responsible for the assessment, opinions, report and testimony. Precision OT coordinates engagements and supports the network through administrative services, training and resources.

The evaluation format depends on jurisdiction, case needs, and practical considerations. Evaluations may be conducted virtually, in person, or through a hybrid approach, with an emphasis on capturing real-world function and daily-life complexity.

Privacy and confidentiality are taken seriously. Personal and health information is handled using secure systems and appropriate safeguards, and it is collected and used only as needed to support evaluation logistics, reporting, and applicable legal and regulatory requirements. The independent occupational therapist remains responsible for clinical documentation within their practice, and Precision OT Network handles information in its administrative role.