Occasionally, a Judge will ask an independent doctor to testify at a social security disability hearing. This is done either in person or on a conference call. Questioning the medical expert is a matter for your attorney to handle. It has been my experience that it is often possible to obtain favorable testimony from these witnesses that helps rather than hurts the case. The key is being familiar with the medical evidence so that the right kind of questions can be asked. Most social security disability hearings will involve use of a vocational expert or VE. The vocational expert will respond to hypothetical questions from the Judge and from your attorney which relate to the availability or unavailability of jobs based on certain restrictions. The key to obtaining helpful vocational expert testimony is usually based on the functional limitations indicated by your treating doctors. For example, if your doctor says that you need to lie down and occasionally elevate your legs at or above waist level for 20-30 minutes several times throughout the day, VE will testify that no jobs will allow this type of interruption of the work schedule. A competent attorney is aware of the various methods used to provide similar types of evidence that can be used in cross examination.
Blog
Medical Expert Witnesses
On behalf of Ayers, Whitlow & Dressler | Nov 26, 2014 | Social Security Disability
CATEGORIES
- blog (4)
- Construction Workers' Accidents (35)
- Firm News (4)
- Industrial Workers' Accidents (3)
- Insurance (2)
- Medical Malpractice (6)
- Motor Vehicle Accidents (136)
- Personal Injury (57)
- Social Security Disability (243)
- Traumatic Brain Injuries (4)
- Workers' Compensation (157)
- Workplace Accidents (45)
- Workplace Injuries (51)
ARCHIVES
See What Our Clients Say
Robert Whitlow was awesome. He made sure he was totally prepared and also that we were prepared. Because of his knowledge and professionalism our case went through without a hitch.
Stephen D.
See What Our Clients Say
Robert Whitlow is a great asset to your firm. He’s personal as well as professional. I cannot thank him enough for his help!
Jeanette W.
View more
What Our Clients Say
My previous attorney lost my disability claim. I saw Attorney Robert Whitlow and he took the time to totally understand what was going on and helped me get the necessary information.
Brandi P.
View more