Additional Expert Witness Services
In addition to conducting forensic and clinical neuropsychological evaluations, Dr. Selina Mangassarian is retained for expert consultation in matters where a direct evaluation of a person is not required. These services are often useful when attorneys need an objective neuropsychological perspective on an existing evaluation, opposing expert opinion, record review, or disputed interpretation of cognitive, psychological, or functional evidence.
This work may include reviewing an opposing expert’s report, analyzing raw neuropsychological test data when available, evaluating the scientific and methodological basis for opinions, identifying strengths and limitations in the reasoning, and helping counsel understand how the findings do or do not align with the records, testing, diagnosis, claimed impairment, and relevant neuropsychological literature.
Opposing Expert Review, Rebuttal, and Critique
Dr. Mangassarian provides consultation regarding opposing neuropsychological and psychological opinions in both civil and criminal matters. Her review focuses on whether the conclusions are adequately supported by the data, whether alternative explanations were considered, and whether the evaluation methods are appropriate for the legal and clinical questions at issue.
- Critique of opposing expert reports and conclusions
- Review of testing methodology, test selection, scoring, and interpretation
- Analysis of performance validity and symptom validity findings
- Evaluation of diagnostic reasoning and differential diagnosis
- Review of causation opinions, claimed impairment, and functional limitations
- Assessment of consistency between records, interview data, behavioral observations, test results, and opinions
- Identification of unsupported assumptions, overstatements, omissions, or alternative explanations
Litigation Consultation
Consultation may also assist with case preparation before deposition, mediation, hearing, or trial. Dr. Mangassarian can help attorneys understand neuropsychological findings, clarify the strengths and limitations of the available evidence, and identify areas for focused questioning of an opposing expert.
- Deposition and cross-examination preparation
- Questions for opposing experts regarding methodology, validity, diagnosis, causation, and impairment
- Review of medical, mental health, educational, employment, correctional, and legal records
- Consultation regarding whether a full independent evaluation may be useful or necessary
- Objective explanation of neuropsychological concepts for attorneys and legal teams
Civil and Criminal Forensic Matters
These services may be relevant in personal injury, employment, capacity, conservatorship, competency, mental health diversion, criminal responsibility, sentencing mitigation, and other matters involving cognition, psychological functioning, diagnosis, validity, or functional capacity. The goal is to provide clear, data-driven consultation that helps the legal team understand the neuropsychological evidence and its limitations.