Services
ADA
Dr. Kiel, Diplomate, Board Certified vocational expert has provided expert opinions in cases involving the Americans Disability Act from a review of records, diagnostic interview, and vocational expert report submission on the plaintiff side of the ADA case. It is important to note that these cases are comprehensive to ensure that findings are objective and aligned with scientific methodology depending on the state. Opinions must stand up to scientific scrutiny. Dr. Kiel does have an interest in working with both the plaintiff and defense sides of ADA cases.
EMPLOYMENT LAW
Dr. Kiel possesses specific doctoral-level training and experience reviewing performance appraisals and comprehending the subtle human resource nuances of an employment law case in regard to vocational implications whether wrongful termination, lack of promotion, and the long-lasting impacts on career development. These aspects may or may not impact a worker's ability to develop vocationally or earn income throughout her or his lifetime.
PERSONAL INJURY
Dr. Kiel, a Diplomate, has reviewed and submitted vocational assessment and employment feasibility cases on the plaintiff and defense sides. Reports, vocational assessments, and opinions were submitted. Depending on the state, district, and Attorney preferences, he may complete an economic earning capacity evaluation. However, he will defer to an economist for present value calculations.
In some cases, vocational evaluations provide comprehensive testing to assess clients’ academic strengths, aptitudes, and personalities to align them with occupations defined by the Dictionary of Occupational Titles, ONET, and/or independent job description task analysis research. A transferable skills analysis and understanding of the labor market may be helpful for individuals who have completed skilled level work to identify target jobs. Based upon this information lifetime earnings or earnings loss will be calculated. Information provided is specific to geographic region or municipality. We will travel to conduct vocational testing. A significant amount of work can be completed through file review from Vocational Solutions, LLC's local office.
Loss of income is often the most serious issue in personal injury or disability. An injured individual may no longer be able to perform at previous work levels. Vocational Consultants assess an individual’s post-injury work potential and compare that with past work and income. Changes in income potential need to be evaluated so that loss may be assessed. Rehabilitation services are uniquely placed to offer both vocational evaluations and forensic economic loss projections.
SOCIAL SECURITY DISABILITY
Vocational Solutions, LLC principal, Dr. Jeff Kiel currently serves as a Diplomate, Board Certified vocational expert for the U.S. Office of Disability Adjudication and Review and has testified as a Vocational Expert witness in over 6,000 Social Security Disability appeals cases. Dr. Kiel has provided training and development and was approved to provide Texas BAR continuing education credits for a large state-wide Texas law firm. A vocational evaluation can be useful in establishing the claimant’s social security disability claim in cases where a claimant:
Based upon a record review, along with a completed standardized vocational form, and a transferability of skills analysis and national labor market analysis using Social Security Disability approved government resources, Vocational Solutions, LLC vocational expert, Dr. Kiel, can render an opinion in a report as to the effect of age, education, past work experience, and impairments on the claimant’s ability to perform a substantial gainful work activity. A vocational evaluation report can be rendered on a nationwide basis using Federal government data.
WORKER'S COMPENSATION OR FEDERAL LONG SHORE MAN (OWCP).
We are knowledgeable of vocational matters depending upon state or municipality to assist with matters of employability, jobs based upon functional capacities evaluation, and/or Residual Functional capacities evaluations. Dr. Kiel has provided vocational expertise in Ohio, Texas, Arkansas, and California Worker’s Compensation cases. He has provided labor market surveys for the U.S. Air Force, and insurance defense for a fortune 100 company. Given approval, we can conduct an on-site job analysis and assess transferable skills. Based upon the results of physical restrictions and/or non-exertion limitations, if any, then providing a labor market survey. Finally, he can perform job-seeking skills training, interview coaching, resume development, and job leads to assist injured workers.
THE SPECIAL EDUCATION CONSULTANT / EXPERT WITNESS
Vocational testing can be extremely important in special education law. It is important that attorneys representing persons with developmental disabilities under the age of 21 years understand the array of federal laws available to them as they advocate for their clients. Collectively, the laws were written to ensure that persons with disabilities were not and are not discriminated against in their daily lives. Dr. Kiel has conducted vocational assessment services and reviewed school records for Texas transitional High School students in Bexar, Hays, and Nueces counties for the past 14. is work assists the state and schools in developing the IPE. His vocational evaluations solidify educational and work accommodations. For instance, modified testing taking accommodations.
While a vocational rehabilitation expert working in tandem with an attorney can enhance the quality of life of a person with disabilities, most often the vocational rehabilitation consultant would be knowledgeable in the psychoeducational evaluation process, special education procedures (504) or IPE, behavior management techniques, and disability law. A vocational evaluation can also help resolve disputes with school systems.
ERGONOMICS
Ergonomics is the scientific discipline of designing workstations according to human needs, and the profession that applies theory, principles, data, and methods to design in order to optimize human well-being and overall performance. For instance, these modalities could include assisting workers with working postures, adaptive equipment use, materials handling, repetitive movements, work-related musculoskeletal disorders, workplace layout, safety, and health. We integrate ergonomic principles into assessment reports and recommendations.
Mr. Kiel is a certified ergonomic assessment specialist and previously consulted with a large fortune 500 banks to conduct ergonomic assessments to prevent and/or reduce work-related injury.
ERISA
These cases generally involve a records review, transferable skills analysis, labor market survey, and a summative report to highlight findings.