Occupational Therapy Expert Witness

An Occupational Therapy expert witness testifies on the use of activities to help ill or injured patients recover function in their daily life and work.  Occupational Therapy, or OT, differs from Physical Therapy (PT) in that Occupational Therapists help patients improve their ability to perform day-to-day tasks, commonly known as activities of daily living or ADLs. While PTs help to restore function, OTs work on improving a patient’s adaptation to work or home following injury or illness.  OT’s work alongside physicians, physical therapists, psychologists, and other healthcare professionals. Most Occupational Therapists have a two-year master’s degree (MOT), though some pursue advanced training and secure a doctorate (OTD) degree. OT specialists work in private offices, schools, hospitals, and rehabilitation centers.  Some occupational therapists consult in ergonomics and modifications to make buildings and homes more accessible. These latter tasks are accomplished by direct evaluation of homes, workplaces, and other environments where people interact. Occupational Therapists are rarely named as defendants, and their role in litigation is mainly to speak to issues of functionality at work or home following a period of rehabilitation.