EXPERT WITNESS SERVICES ● NEURODIVIRGENCE ASSESSMENT ● VOCATIONAL REHABILITION  ● CAREER & EXECUTIVE COACHING AND ASSESSMENT

Doherty Stobbs: Experts in Employment and Loss of Earnings Assessment

….At Doherty Stobbs, we provide award-winning, evidence-based Expert Witness Reports tailored to support solicitors in complex employment-related litigation across the UK and Ireland. Our team of highly experienced Occupational Psychologists specialises in assessing loss of earnings, vocational rehabilitation needs, retraining capacity, and the impact of neurodivergence and disabilities on employment outcomes. Known for our clarity, credibility, and actionable insights, we deliver reliable findings that inform fair outcomes and strengthen your case. Whether addressing personal injury, medical negligence, unfair dismissal, or matrimonial disputes, our impartial reports and practical recommendations ensure your clients receive the expert support they need for successful resolutions….

Award-Winning Expert Witness Services

At Doherty Stobbs, we provide clear, comprehensive, and impartial assessments of loss of earnings in litigation claims. Our expertise helps ensure that complex cases are approached with precision, offering courts the robust evidence required for fair and well-informed decisions.

Our reports focus on critical areas such as:

• Loss of earnings: Assessing financial impacts with precision.
• Vocational rehabilitation: Identifying pathways to recovery and employment.
• Retraining potential: Evaluating realistic opportunities for career adaptation.

Our expertise spans a range of complex cases, including:

• Personal injury
• Clinical negligence
• Unfair dismissal
• Matrimonial disputes
• Breach of contract
• Criminal injuries

A Broad Spectrum of Expertise

We specialise in quantifying loss of earnings in cases involving acquired disabilities resulting from personal injury or medical negligence. Additionally, we provide tailored insights for disputes relating to unfair dismissal, marital breakdown, or breaches of contract.

Why Choose Doherty Stobbs?

Our work is regularly praised by solicitors and barristers for the accuracy and depth we bring to the valuation of loss of earnings claims. This approach sets us apart and makes us a trusted partner in employment-related litigation.

Who Instructs Us?

We work with leading legal teams across the UK, with instructions split approximately as follows:

• 60% Defendant firms: Including the largest legal firms in the UK, representing organisations such as the NHS and MOD.
• 35% Claimant firms: Typically medium to large practices with dedicated Personal Injury, Medical Negligence, and Employment Law teams.
• 5% Joint instructions: Acting as impartial experts in collaborative cases.

Our reputation for accuracy and insight ensures that both Claimants and Defendants rely on our expertise to provide clarity and credibility in their cases.

What Makes Us Unique?

Our expert witnesses are practising Occupational Psychologists, offering unique insights into the modern workplace and labour market. Key aspects of our expertise include:

• In-depth workplace knowledge: Years of experience working with HR departments and assessment centres have given us a strong understanding of employer expectations and changing labour market dynamics.
• Psychometric expertise: We employ objective tools to evaluate retraining potential and pre-injury intellectual capacity, forming the foundation for evidence-based Schedules and Counter-Schedules of Loss.
• Rehabilitation experience: Our work includes supporting individuals to re-enter employment after challenges, such as brain or spinal injuries, chronic pain, and mental health conditions.
• A comprehensive approach: With practical knowledge of statutory vocational rehabilitation services, we address employment issues with a broad and informed perspective.

Cases That Define Our Expertise

We provide expert evidence across a wide range of cases, including:

• High-value and catastrophic claims: Cases involving head trauma, spinal injuries, amputations, and other life-changing conditions, including those related to military or industrial contexts.
• Mental health claims: Assessments in cases involving PTSD, workplace stress, and bullying.
• Future employment for minors: Evaluating employment prospects and projected earnings for young claimants.
• Specialist professions: Offering tailored advice for individuals in unique roles, from performers and creatives to technical specialists.
• Matrimonial disputes: Assessing employment prospects and earning capacity in divorce proceedings.

Expertise Across the UK and Ireland

Doherty Stobbs provides expert services throughout the UK and Ireland, ensuring accessibility and consistency regardless of location.

A Reliable Partner for Legal Professionals

We work with solicitors acting for both Claimants and Defendants, as well as providing Single Joint reports.

At Doherty Stobbs, our goal is to deliver trusted, high-quality advice to support legal professionals in navigating the complexities of employment-related claims with clarity and confidence.

What Our Clients Say

The value of our work is reflected in feedback from solicitors and barristers who trust us to handle their most complex claims:

• Your report and comments were very important in allowing Counsel to work out realistic figures that were essential during negotiations. (Pursuer instruction, Scotland, November 2024)
• Thank you again for all your help at such short notice. My client is delighted with the outcome and appreciates the support and insight you provided in relation to this claim. (Plaintiff instruction, Northern Ireland, September 2024)
• Your report was instrumental in preparing the Counter-Schedule of Loss used in negotiations. I hope to work with you again in the future. (Class action against a Civil Service department, England ,November 2023)
• We settled for less than 20% of the Claimant’s pleaded schedule of loss, largely due to points highlighted in your report, which Counsel used effectively. (Defendant solicitors, central government department, England, September 2022)
• This case settled earlier this week. Your detailed approach was greatly appreciated. Thank you for your expertise. (Medium-sized Claimant solicitors, England, December 2021)
• Your report was invaluable in helping us achieve a favourable settlement. The Claimant was very happy with the outcome. (Claimant firm, England, February 2022)
• Your report was instrumental in reaching a settlement due to its clear and persuasive evidence on retraining potential and future employment prospects. (Defendant solicitor, England 2023)
• Your report prompted the Claimant to reassess her claim for future loss of earnings, leading to a more realistic settlement. (Defendant solicitors, England, June 2022)
• We managed to settle this claim at an RTM yesterday. Your assistance was instrumental in achieving a favourable resolution. (Large Defendant firm, England, April 2024)
• Thank you for your persuasive report. Our barrister referenced it repeatedly during negotiations, and there was little resistance from the other side. (Defendant firm, England, July 2022)
• This case concluded with settlement approved by the Court. Your evidence was vital in highlighting the workplace challenges the Claimant faces, helping to secure a favourable settlement. The Claimant is deeply appreciative of the team’s efforts. (Large Claimant firm, England, February 2022)
• Your report was immensely helpful. We successfully refuted the Defendant’s argument about residual earning capacity based on your evidence. (Medium-sized Claimant firm, England, England, July 2024)
• Your evidence was crucial in establishing realistic starting points during discussions. We appreciate your clarity and professionalism throughout. (Medium-sized Claimant solicitors, England, March 2022)
• Your report was incredibly helpful. While a global figure was agreed without specific breakdowns, the Defendants accepted your evidence that the Plaintiff’s pain and continence issues would significantly impact his ability to return to work, shaping the final outcome. I look forward to working with you again. (Large Claimant firm, England, February 2024.)

At Doherty Stobbs, we combine professional expertise with a deep understanding of the legal process, ensuring that every report we produce adds genuine value to the cases we support.

At Doherty Stobbs, we deliver a comprehensive suite of services designed to support litigation claims, vocational rehabilitation, and professional training. Our expertise encompasses employment assessments, loss of earnings evaluations, vocational rehabilitation, and retraining capacity assessments, all tailored to meet the demands of complex legal cases.

Our Key Services

Expert Reports

We provide precise and evidence-based reports across a wide range of case types, including:

• Personal injury
• Clinical negligence
• Matrimonial disputes
• Unfair dismissal
• Criminal injuries

Employment Reports

Employment reports are at the core of our services. These detailed, objective, and evidence-based documents support litigation across diverse contexts, such as personal injury, medical negligence, and matrimonial disputes. Our reports address key areas, including:

• Loss of earnings: Assessing the financial impact of injuries or employment disputes.
• Vocational rehabilitation:Evaluating the support required for individuals to return to work or transition into new roles.
• Retraining potential: Analysing the claimant’s capacity for acquiring new skills and adapting to alternative careers.
• Labour Market Research standalone reports: We can provide current data on earnings and employment trends in specific sectors.

Backed by practising Occupational Psychologists and HR professionals, our reports combine psychometric insights, labour market expertise, and a deep understanding of workplace demands. Whether addressing acquired disabilities, chronic conditions, or pre-existing challenges, our holistic approach ensures reliable evaluations that guide Courts toward fair and informed outcomes.

Additional Services

Assessment of Retraining Capacity

Using advanced psychometric tools, we objectively evaluate an individual’s ability to retrain and acquire new skills after an injury. This includes, where relevant, diagnostic dyslexia assessments to identify and support specific learning challenges.

Labour Market Research Reports

Our concise and targeted labour market reports provide:

• Earnings data tailored to specific roles or sectors.
• Insight into employment opportunities and industry trends.

These reports play a pivotal role in preparing Schedules or Counter-Schedules of Loss.

Reports that address a Claimant’s Vocational Rehabilitation Needs

We deliver tailored rehabilitation solutions to support individuals returning to work or transitioning into new careers.

• Litigation-focused reports: Outlining required interventions and associated costs.
• Non-forensic assessments: Offering actionable guidance to rebuild working lives.

Click here to learn more about our non-forensic vocational rehabilitation services

Neurodivergence and Employment

We bring extensive experience in evaluating the impact of neurodivergent conditions—such as dyslexia, ADHD, and ASD—on workplace performance and employment outcomes.

Our expert reports can address:

• Workplace discrimination or unfair dismissal due to misunderstood neurodivergence.
• Reduced adaptability post-injury for individuals with pre-existing neurodivergence.
• Evaluating how neurodivergence affects employment retention and earning capacity.

These insights help clarify workplace challenges and recommend practical, reasonable adjustments

Example Cases:

• Mr Pxxxxx v Employer: Tailored retraining and reasonable adjustments for dyslexia after an orthopaedic injury.
• Ms Txxxxx v Negligent Driver: Comparison of "but for" and post-injury employment potential following a brain injury with pre-existing ADHD.
• Mr Axxxx v Employer: Assessment of dyslexia's role in dismissal for policy misunderstanding.
• Ms Mxxxxx v Civil Service Department: Evaluation of reasonable adjustments during a promotion assessment.

Job Retention Support

For people unable to return to pre-injury roles but who wish to remain with their employer, we identify practical solutions:

• Role redesign
• Retraining for alternative positions

Our reports and input help optimise opportunities for ongoing employment success.

Training for Solicitors

We offer interactive seminars and webinars tailored to solicitors, covering topics such as:

• The impact of traumatic brain injury on employment.
• Key factors in determining loss of earnings.
• Challenges and solutions in vocational rehabilitation.
• Chronic pain and its influence on workplace performance.
• The psychology of loss, adaptation, and mitigation.
• Personal resilience training and coaching.

Additionally, we design bespoke in-house training courses tailored to the needs of individual firms.

Whether you need expert reports, vocational rehabilitation support, or solicitor training, Doherty Stobbs delivers professional, insightful, and actionable solutions to meet your needs.

At Doherty Stobbs, our reports are distinguished by their clarity, depth, and impartiality. Prepared by highly experienced Occupational Psychologists and Expert Witnesses, each report adheres to the highest ethical and professional standards. We take an evidence-based approach to ensure precision and reliability in every case.

What Makes Our Reports Stand Out?

• Accurate Insights into Workplace Demands: We provide a detailed understanding of the skills, performance, and role requirements that employers expect in the modern workplace, offering clarity that supports informed decision-making.
• Up-to-Date Career and Labour Market Knowledge: Our expertise is rooted in current data on job roles, industry trends, and career pathways, ensuring that our findings are relevant and practical.
• Realistic Job Retention Solutions: We identify practical, achievable options for job retention, whether through role redesign, reasonable adjustments, or retraining opportunities tailored to an individual’s abilities and circumstances.
• Maximising Strengths, Evaluating Success: Our reports pinpoint roles that align with an individual’s strengths, while objectively assessing their potential success in specific occupational areas.
• Objective Assessment of Retraining Capacity: Using a range of evidence-based tools and methods, we accurately evaluate a claimant’s ability to retrain. For example, assessing literacy and numeracy skills in former manual workers helps determine realistic career pathways and achievable outcomes.
• Understanding Disability and Its Workplace Impact: Our team brings a deep understanding of how various disabilities and health conditions—such as head injuries, chronic pain, or occupational stress—affect workplace performance and employment prospects.
• Trusted Expert Witnesses: We understand the responsibilities of an Expert Witness and consistently provide impartial, credible, and well-justified evidence that courts can rely on with confidence.

Doherty Stobbs operates across the UK and Ireland, ensuring accessible, professional expertise wherever needed.

Discover More About Our Approach

Our reports blend professional expertise with practical insights, ensuring they add meaningful value to every case.