At Benchmark Assess, we deliver evidence-based Forensic Vocational Assessments that examine an individual’s vocational capabilities, capacity for work and potential earning capacity in the context of legal matters.
Our highly experienced team of forensic vocational assessors, averaging 18 years of industry experience, undertakes comprehensive reviews of medical and collateral evidence to prepare clear, defensible reports that support informed decision-making across a range of medicolegal cases.
Our Forensic Vocational Assessment process
Our process enables decision-makers to better understand how medical findings translate into vocational realities and labour market outcomes through four key steps:
Medical finding
We review relevant medical evidence to understand the nature and impact of the individual’s injury or illness.
Functional restrictions
We consider how the medical findings affect the individual’s capacity to perform physical, cognitive, psychological and other work-related activities.
Vocational capacity
We assess how these restrictions affect the individual’s ability to perform their pre-injury role and consider their capacity for alternative occupations.
Employability and earning capacity
We consider the availability and suitability of employment within the current labour market, including potential retraining and rehabilitation.
What does our team consider in an FVA?
Our forensic vocational assessor takes into consideration of the individual’s:
- Work history, education, qualifications and skills
- Medical evidence, functional capacity and restrictions
- Transferable skills and vocational potential
- Suitability of alternative occupations based on education and previous employment history
- Availability of suitable roles within the current labour market
- Potential for retraining and vocational rehabilitation
- Residual earning capacity and potential economic loss
Key questions answered during the assessment
- Can the individual return to their pre-injury occupation?
- What alternative occupations may be suitable?
- Are those occupations realistically available in the current labour market?
- Is retraining or vocational rehabilitation appropriate with the support of a vocational rehabilitation professional?
- What is the individual’s residual earning capacity?
- What potential economic loss has resulted from the injury or illness?
Ali Hudson, Rehabilitation Counsellor and Life Insurance Lead
Meet our Lead Assessor
Ali Hudson
Rehabilitation Counsellor / Life Insurance Lead
Ali is an experienced vocational and rehabilitation professional with expertise in workplace rehabilitation, life insurance, Total and Permanent Disability (TPD) and Compulsory Third Party (CTP) matters. Her experience spans forensic vocational assessments, employability and transferable skills assessments, labour market analysis and earning capacity evaluations.
Ali is recognised for delivering evidence-based, legally defensible assessments that support informed decision-making around work capacity and vocational outcomes.
Need an expert medicolegal opinion?
Fill out the form below or reach out to Ali Hudson on 0458 979 378 or at referrals@benchmarkassess.com.au