What role does a vocational expert serve in a personal injury action like the one involving an offshore worker?

In a personal injury action, especially one involving an offshore worker, a vocational expert plays a crucial role in assessing the impact of the injury on the plaintiff’s ability to perform their previous job duties. This assessment includes evaluating the level of physical and cognitive impairment resulting from the injury and how these impairments translate into the worker's overall ability to return to their previous employment or adapt to new employment opportunities.

Through a comprehensive analysis of education, work history, and physical and psychological evaluations, the vocational expert provides insights that are essential for the court. This information can help establish the extent of damages that the injured party may be entitled to, such as lost wages, loss of earning capacity, and future employment prospects.

This role is particularly significant because the determination of the plaintiff's capability to engage in former work can directly influence the outcome of the case, especially when proving that the injury has impacted their professional life significantly. Thus, the vocational expert's contribution is vital for substantiating claims for compensation related to the injury's effect on the plaintiff's work and life.