GENERAL FORENSIC EVALUATION AND REVIEW

Personal Injury Evaluation

Dr. Young conducts psychological evaluations for personal injury litigation, assessing the psychological impact of an alleged injury and providing an independent, defensible opinion for the court or counsel. These evaluations draw on his clinical and neuropsychological training to assess both the nature of any psychological injury and its relationship to the incident. A Personal Injury Evaluation may be required when: – What is the extent and nature of the psychological injury or distress the plaintiff has suffered? – Is the alleged psychological injury attributable to the incident in question or to other factors? – What is the plaintiff’s prognosis, and what treatment, if any, is indicated or has been initiated? A Personal Injury Evaluation may include:

Clinical interview and psychological testing of the plaintiff.
Review of relevant records (medical, psychological, employment, or educational).
Assessment of symptom validity and consideration of alternative explanations for reported symptoms.
A written report addressing causation, severity, and prognosis.

Testamentary Capacity Evaluation

Dr. Young conducts testamentary capacity evaluations to assess an individual’s psychological capacity to understand and execute a will. These evaluations are often sought when a will’s validity is challenged or likely to be challenged, and

they require careful documentation of the individual’s cognitive and psychological functioning at the relevant time. A Testamentary Capacity Evaluation may be required when: – Did the individual understand the nature and extent of their assets at the time the will was executed? – Did the individual understand who would naturally be expected to benefit from their estate? – Was the individual free from undue influence or impairment that could have affected their decision-making? A Testamentary Capacity Evaluation may include:

Clinical interview and, when possible, direct assessment of the individual.
Review of medical, psychological, and legal records relevant to the relevant time period.
Consultation with collateral sources (family members, treating providers, or witnesses, as appropriate).
A written report addressing the specific legal standard for testamentary capacity.

Conservatorship/Guardianship Evaluation

Dr. Young conducts conservatorship and guardianship evaluations to assess an individual’s capacity to manage personal care, finances, or both. These evaluations inform the court’s decision on whether a conservatorship or guardianship is warranted and, if so, its appropriate scope. A Conservatorship/Guardianship Evaluation may be required when:

Is the individual able to manage their own financial affairs?
Is the individual able to meet their own basic needs for food, clothing, shelter, and medical care?
What is the least restrictive level of support or oversight consistent with the individual’s needs?

A Conservatorship/Guardianship Evaluation may include:

Clinical interview and psychological/cognitive testing of the individual.
Review of medical, psychological, and financial records.
Consultation with collateral sources (family members, caregivers, or treating providers).
A written report addressing the relevant legal standard and, if warranted, recommendations regarding the scope of conservatorship or guardianship.

Records Review

Dr. Young offers records review services for attorneys and courts seeking an expert opinion based on existing documentation, without conducting a new

independent evaluation. This service is well suited to cases where a prior evaluation has already been conducted or where counsel needs professional consultation before deciding whether a new evaluation is warranted. Records Review may be required when:

Does an existing evaluation hold up to independent expert scrutiny?
Is a new evaluation actually warranted, or can this question be answered from existing records?
What does the existing documentation support or fail to support regarding the question before the court?

Records Review may include but is not limited to:

Review of prior psychological, medical, legal, or educational records.
Critique or consultation on an existing evaluation or report.
Consultation with counsel regarding case strategy or the necessity of further evaluation.
A written summary or expert opinion based on record review alone.