In the aftermath of a serious injury, illness, or workplace disruption, one of the most common fears we hear is: “Will I ever be able to work again?” But behind that question is something deeper — a search for identity, independence, and a renewed sense of purpose.
At Hankins & Hankins Vocational Consulting, we don’t just assess employability; we help individuals and legal professionals navigate the complex, deeply personal journey of rebuilding a life after career interruption. As seasoned labor market access analysts, forensic vocational consultants, and vocational expert witnesses, we combine technical expertise with real human understanding.
This blog explores the emotional, legal, and economic ripple effects of job loss or vocational disability, and how our work plays a vital role in restoring more than just a paycheck.
The True Cost of Vocational Disruption
When someone loses the ability to work — whether due to a workplace accident, long-term illness, or psychological trauma — the impact reaches far beyond the wallet. Employment provides routine, social engagement, identity, and personal fulfillment. For many of our clients, losing work means losing a piece of themselves.
We’ve worked with:
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Teachers who developed PTSD after a school incident
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Construction workers left unable to lift after injury
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Healthcare professionals with long COVID symptoms
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Individuals misdiagnosed and improperly treated, resulting in chronic conditions
Each case is unique, but the question is always the same: What now?
How a Labor Market Access Analyst Helps Answer That Question
One of our primary roles at Hankins & Hankins is serving as a labor market access analyst — a professional who assesses an individual’s ability to participate in the workforce, considering their physical, cognitive, and emotional limitations.
It’s Not About Guesswork — It’s About Data and People
We don’t just look at a résumé and say, “You can’t do this job anymore.” We examine:
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Transferable skills from prior employment
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Physical or psychological restrictions based on medical documentation
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Real-world job availability in local and regional markets
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Wages and job growth trends using up-to-date labor databases
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Reasonable accommodations under the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA)
Our approach balances hard labor market data with human context — because even the best algorithm can’t understand what it feels like to have your career path permanently altered.
Forensic Vocational Consultant: Your Legal Partner in Complex Cases
When vocational loss becomes a legal matter — in personal injury lawsuits, workers' comp claims, medical malpractice cases, divorce proceedings, or disability hearings — our role expands as forensic vocational consultants.
Translating Career Loss into Legal Language
We provide clear, defensible evaluations that answer critical legal questions such as:
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Has the individual suffered a loss of earning capacity?
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Can they reasonably be expected to return to work, and in what role?
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What is the economic value of their vocational impairment over a lifetime?
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Are retraining or accommodations feasible and appropriate?
We prepare in-depth reports that stand up to scrutiny in mediation, arbitration, and litigation — always rooted in objectivity and backed by vocational science.
Vocational Expert Witness: Where Accuracy Meets Advocacy
Sometimes, legal matters move to the courtroom. When they do, we are ready to testify as vocational expert witnesses — providing expert opinions that help judges and juries understand the vocational impact of an injury or impairment.
Breaking Down Complexities for the Court
Our job as vocational expert witnesses includes:
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Explaining vocational limitations in plain, understandable terms
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Defending our findings under cross-examination
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Providing expert insight into realistic job options, salary ranges, and availability
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Supporting or disputing claims of total or partial disability
We know that courtroom environments can be intimidating for clients. That’s why we approach each case with preparation, professionalism, and empathy — because the outcome can impact someone’s life for decades to come.
Real-World Story: From Factory Floor to New Foundation
Let us share a real-life (anonymized) case that illustrates our multi-faceted role:
Client: A 52-year-old warehouse supervisor injured his spine in a workplace accident. Post-surgery, he was unable to lift more than 10 pounds or sit/stand for extended periods.
Step 1 – Labor Market Access Analysis
We conducted a full vocational profile and identified transferable skills in operations, training, and logistics. However, his rural location and physical limitations ruled out most direct replacements.
Step 2 – Forensic Evaluation
As forensic vocational consultants, we compared pre- and post-injury earnings, factoring in realistic retraining potential and job availability. Our report revealed a 38% loss in long-term earning capacity.
Step 3 – Courtroom Testimony
Serving as the vocational expert witness, we presented these findings in court. The opposing expert argued he could easily get a remote managerial role. We responded with real-world labor data showing these roles were limited and typically required qualifications he didn’t possess.
Result: A fair settlement that included retraining support and compensation for future earnings loss.
Why Hankins & Hankins?
Vocational consulting is both an art and a science. At Hankins & Hankins, we bring:
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Decades of experience across medical, legal, and economic disciplines
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Certified professionals trained in forensic and vocational rehabilitation
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Unbiased, defensible reports that hold up in court
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A person-first approach that recognizes each client’s unique journey
Whether we’re evaluating an individual’s labor market access, supporting an attorney with forensic insight, or testifying in court, we remain committed to accuracy, integrity, and compassion.
Final Thoughts: Vocational Recovery Is Life Recovery
Rebuilding a career isn’t just about job titles and salaries — it’s about reclaiming independence, identity, and a future.
At Hankins & Hankins Vocational Consulting, we understand the full weight of vocational loss, and we’re honored to walk alongside our clients — not just as experts, but as partners in recovery.
If you’re facing a career disruption due to injury or illness — or representing someone who is — let’s talk. Whether you need a labor market access analyst, a forensic vocational consultant, or a vocational expert witness, our team is ready to help.
Contact Us
Visit [Hankins & Hankins Vocational Consulting] to schedule a consultation.
Expert evaluations. Real solutions. Reliable results. That’s Hankins & Hankins.