Personal Injury and Independent Medical Evaluations

Retained by both plaintiffs’ and defense counsel, Dr. Selina Mangassarian conducts independent medical examinations (IMEs) in personal injury cases involving traumatic brain injury, psychological trauma, and complex medical events. She assesses the cognitive, emotional, and behavioral consequences of injury, determines whether reported impairment is supported by objective findings, and clarifies how pre-existing conditions and other contributing factors affect the clinical picture.

Questions Addressed

Nature and extent of impairment
Whether the evidence supports cognitive, emotional, or behavioral impairment, which abilities are affected, and the severity of any identified limitations.

Relationship to the alleged injury
Whether the onset, pattern, and course of reported symptoms are consistent with the documented injury, and whether other factors contribute to the current presentation.

Pre-existing conditions and alternative explanations
The relevance of prior brain injuries, neurological disease, psychiatric conditions, developmental history, substance use, pain, sleep disturbance, and medication effects.

Functional consequences
How supported impairments affect occupational functioning, independent living, relationships, and other daily activities, with attention to consistency between test findings and documented functioning.

Performance and symptom validity
Whether cognitive test results and symptom reports provide a reliable basis for interpretation. Validity findings are evaluated within the broader clinical record, with careful consideration of what they establish and their limitations.

Prognosis and treatment needs
The evidence supporting conclusions about recovery, persistent impairment, further evaluation, and appropriate treatment.