FAQ — EJT Communication Consultant

FAQ — FORENSIC SPEECH-LANGUAGE PATHOLOGY & LITIGATION SUPPORT

Frequently Asked Questions

How quickly can you review a case?

Turnaround depends on scope and urgency.

Case Screening (preliminary review): 2 buisness days
Full Record Review / IME-level analysis: 2–3 weeks
Expert consultation and testimony: scheduled based on litigation timeline and availability

Expedited reviews are available for time-sensitive matters when capacity allows.

For urgent deadlines, contact directly to confirm availability.

What information do you need to evaluate a case?

At minimum:

Brief case summary (injury type and legal question)
Available medical records (partial records are acceptable)
Specific question requiring expert input

For more comprehensive review:

Complete medical records
Incident reports
Prior evaluations (neuropsychological or SLP if available)
Depositions or witness statements

Records should be transmitted via secure or HIPAA-compliant methods when possible.

What is included in a case screening?

Case screening is a preliminary forensic review designed for early case evaluation.

It includes:

Review of submitted medical records
Identification of cognitive-communication, swallowing, or functional red flags
Assessment of whether speech-language pathology factors are legally relevant
Written summary of findings
Preliminary expert impression regarding case strength or relevance
Recommendation regarding further evaluation or full review

Turnaround: ~48 hours

This service is for case triage only and does not replace a full expert report or IME.

Do you provide expert testimony?

Yes.

Expert services include:

Depositions in civil and criminal matters
Trial testimony
Workers’ compensation hearings
Disability and administrative hearings

Areas of testimony include:

Cognitive-communication impairment (TBI, stroke, neurodegenerative disease)
Swallowing disorders (dysphagia, aspiration risk, pneumonia linkage)
Capacity to understand, communicate, or participate in legal/medical decision-making
Communication-related standard of care in clinical settings

Testimony is delivered in clear, jury-appropriate language with translation of complex medical concepts into understandable terms.

What geographic areas do you serve?

Licensure includes:

Arizona
California
Colorado
Florida
New Mexico
New York
Pennsylvania
Virginia
Washington

For expert witness services:
Consultation and record review are available nationally, as expert opinions are not restricted by state licensure.

For in-person evaluations:
Available within licensed states, with travel available for depositions and trial testimony nationwide.

What makes your work different from other speech-language pathologists?

This practice is focused on forensic and litigation-relevant communication analysis rather than general clinical therapy.

Key differentiators:

10+ years clinical experience across hospital, rehabilitation, and long-term care settings
Specialized focus on traumatic brain injury, dysphagia, and cognitive-communication disorders
Experience identifying “invisible injuries” not reflected on imaging (CT/MRI)
Multi-state licensed practice with telehealth capability
Experience with high-stakes documentation environments, including government and institutional work

Attorneys and clients value:

Clear, defensible written analysis
Ability to translate clinical findings into legal relevance
Responsiveness aligned with litigation timelines
Focus on what is medically and functionally meaningful in case strategy

Can you work with insurance companies or case management systems?

Yes.

Services integrate with:

Insurance carriers (auto, disability, workers’ compensation)
Case management companies
Third-party administrators
Legal defense and plaintiff firms

Engagements can be structured through vendor systems or direct referral arrangements.

What happens after I submit a request?

Process:

Initial inquiry submitted via contact form or email
Response within 24 hours (often same business day)
Brief case discussion (email or 10–15 minute call if needed)
Scope and fee agreement issued
Retainer and records submitted
Work begins within defined timeline
Written report or deliverable provided securely

All work is structured and scope-controlled from initiation.

Do you offer free consultations?

No.

Initial communications are brief and focused on determining scope and fit.

All substantive analysis, interpretation, and case review is billable work.

What if I’m not sure whether I need a speech-language pathologist?

You may benefit from consultation if your case involves:

Brain injury or neurological change:

Traumatic brain injury (TBI) or concussion
Stroke or anoxic brain injury
Cognitive decline affecting communication or decision-making
Behavioral or functional change without clear imaging findings

Swallowing and aspiration risk:

Aspiration pneumonia
Choking incidents or diet-related complications
Post-surgical swallowing changes
Nursing home or hospital feeding complications

Communication or capacity concerns:

Ability to understand instructions or consent
Ability to participate in legal proceedings
Communication changes affecting employment or functioning
Voice or speech impairment affecting reliability or testimony

If unsure, a brief case summary can be submitted for preliminary review.

What types of cases do you review?

I provide forensic SLP consultation for cases involving traumatic brain injury, cognitive communication impairment, dysphagia, capacity, consent, and healthcare liability.

Do you work with plaintiff and defense attorneys?

Yes. My role is to provide objective clinical analysis based on available evidence.

What records do you review?

Common records include:

medical records
therapy notes
neuropsychological evaluations
imaging reports
nursing documentation
discharge summaries

When should an attorney involve a forensic SLP?

Early involvement may help identify communication, cognitive, and swallowing factors that influence case strategy and damages evaluation.

Do you provide testimony?

Yes. Testimony availability depends on case involvement, evaluation scope, and timeline.

How do I get started?

You may initiate contact via:

Website inquiry form
Email
Phone/text

All inquiries are responded to within 24 hours.

Urgent matters should be communicated directly for priority scheduling.

Contact

Email: erica@ejtcommconsult.com
Phone/Text: (410)-929-6401