Affiliations: New York Institute of Technology, Occupational Therapy
Department, School of Health Professions, Northern Boulevard, P.O. Box 8000,
Old Westbury, New York 11568-8000, USA. Tel.: +1 516 686 3863; E-mail:
pprecin@nyit.edu
Abstract: This author was hired by a defendant's attorney as an expert witness
in the evaluation of a plaintiff who filed a lawsuit for the loss of her job
and concomitant income due to posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD) symptoms
acquired after sustaining a traumatic injury. This writer evaluated her
symptoms, level of function, roles, and interests using a variety of
assessments. This case study is a report of the evaluation. The results
indicated that the plaintiff developed adequate coping mechanisms to manage her
symptoms of PTSD in order to function in her diverse and chosen roles of
worker, mother, care giver, wife, family member, volunteer, home maintainer,
and religious participant even though she did not return to her prior place of
employment. Because of these results, the case was settled out of court in the
favor of the defendant.
