Forensic Evaluations in Washington State

Forensic & Litigation Neuropsychological Evaluations – Everett, WA

Access Neuropsychology Northwest

3525 Colby Avenue, Suite 211, Everett, WA 98201
Serving Attorneys, Courts, Insurers & Agencies Throughout Washington State
Providers: Dr. Reilly & Dr. Kearns, Clinical Neuropsychologists

Forensic neuropsychology is a highly specialized area of practice requiring scientific expertise, objectivity, and precision. At Access Neuropsychology Northwest, we provide independent, evidence-based forensic and litigation evaluations for legal, medical, occupational, and administrative settings.

Located in Everett, Washington, just 30 minutes north of Seattle, our clinic serves clients across Snohomish County, King County, and the entire Puget Sound and Pacific Northwest region.

Our evaluations are performed by Dr. Reilly and Dr. Kearns, licensed clinical neuropsychologists trained in high-level assessment of concussion, traumatic brain injury (TBI), neurological disorders, cognitive impairment, and complex psychological presentations relevant to legal matters.

What Is a Forensic Neuropsychological Evaluation?

A forensic neuropsychological evaluation is a comprehensive, independent assessment of cognitive, emotional, and behavioral functioning conducted specifically for legal or administrative purposes.

These evaluations answer questions such as:

  • Does the individual have cognitive impairment?
  • Are symptoms consistent with injury, illness, or psychological factors?
  • Is the impairment related to an alleged event (e.g., accident, workplace injury)?
  • What is the individual’s functional capacity?
  • Are accommodations or restrictions appropriate?
  • Is the individual exaggerating, minimizing, or accurately reporting symptoms?
  • How credible is the presentation, and does testing support reported deficits?

Forensic evaluations differ from clinical evaluations in that they emphasize objectivity, scientific rigor, validity testing, and medically credible documentation suitable for legal contexts.

Forensic & Litigation Cases We Evaluate

We provide forensic neuropsychological evaluations for:

Civil Litigation

  • Personal injury claims
  • Motor-vehicle accidents
  • Premises liability
  • Medical negligence cases
  • Chronic pain and somatic symptom cases
  • Emotional distress claims

Workers’ Compensation

  • Workplace injuries
  • Return-to-work capacity evaluations
  • Cognitive functioning after occupational trauma
  • Fitness-for-duty concerns

Traumatic Brain Injury & Neurological Conditions

  • Concussion/mild TBI
  • Moderate-to-severe TBI
  • Stroke or vascular events
  • Seizure disorders
  • Toxic exposure cases

Disability & Administrative Evaluations

  • Social Security disability
  • Long-term disability claims
  • Academic and workplace accommodations disputes
  • Independent medical examinations (IMEs)

Decision-Making Capacity

  • Testamentary capacity
  • Financial capacity
  • Medical decision-making capacity
  • Vulnerability to undue influence

Criminal Mitigation (non-violent, if permitted)

  • Cognitive impairment relevant to capacity, intent, or functioning
  • Developmental disorders or neurological factors affecting behavior

Our role is evaluative—not advocacy-based—ensuring objective and impartial findings.

Why Attorneys & Insurers Choose Our Clinic

Independent & Objective

We provide scientifically grounded evaluations without bias toward plaintiff or defense.

Expertise in TBI, Neurological Disorders & Complex Presentations

Our neuropsychologists have extensive experience with cases involving brain injury, chronic symptoms, psychological overlays, and differential diagnosis.

Comprehensive Documentation

Reports are detailed, well-structured, and suitable for use in deposition, mediation, or court.

Performance Validity Testing

We include multiple measures to assess effort, symptom credibility, and response consistency.

Clear, Defensible Findings

Opinions are based on empirical data, peer-reviewed research, and standardized measures.

Regional Accessibility

We serve clients throughout Snohomish County, King County, Seattle, and the broader Pacific Northwest.

Components of a Forensic Neuropsychological Evaluation

Our forensic evaluation process is rigorous and tailored to the legal question at hand.

1. Case Review

We thoroughly examine:

  • Legal questions
  • Medical records
  • Psychological records
  • Imaging and laboratory data
  • Employment and academic records
  • Prior evaluations
  • Collateral documentation

2. Clinical & Forensic Interview

A structured interview assesses:

  • Cognitive complaints
  • Injury or illness history
  • Functional abilities
  • Psychological symptoms
  • Occupational and academic functioning
  • Behavioral observations relevant to credibility

3. Neuropsychological Test Battery

Testing may include assessment of:

  • Memory
  • Learning
  • Attention
  • Processing speed
  • Executive functioning
  • Language abilities
  • Visuospatial skills
  • Motor functioning
  • Personality and psychological functioning
  • Intellectual Functioning (IQ)
  • Symptom validity and performance consistency

4. Behavioral Observations & Credibility Analysis

We document:

  • Performance patterns
  • Behavioral inconsistencies
  • Symptom-reporting style
  • Testing effort and validity indicators

5. Diagnostic Formulation

We provide a differential diagnosis that may include:

  • TBI
  • Neurocognitive disorders
  • Psychiatric conditions
  • Somatic symptom presentations
  • Malingering or symptom exaggeration
  • Functional neurological symptoms

6. Functional Assessment

We evaluate:

  • Ability to work
  • Ability to manage finances
  • Independence in daily living
  • Academic functioning
  • Decision-making capacity

7. Comprehensive Report

Reports include:

  • Clear opinions and rationales
  • Evidence-based conclusions
  • Functional implications
  • Recommendations for accommodations or restrictions

8. Expert Consultation & Testimony

Available for:

  • Depositions
  • Mediations
  • Hearings
  • Administrative or legal proceedings

Common Referral Questions We Address

Attorneys and insurers often ask us to determine:

  • Does this individual have a cognitive impairment?
  • Are symptoms consistent with the reported injury or illness?
  • Are deficits reliable, valid, and clinically supported?
  • What is the individual’s capacity to work?
  • Are accommodations needed for school or employment?
  • Is the individual exaggerating or minimizing symptoms?
  • What is the prognosis for recovery?

Our forensic reports provide clear, concise answers supported by empirical data.

Who We Serve

Access Neuropsychology Northwest provides forensic evaluations for:

  • Attorneys (plaintiff & defense)
  • Insurance carriers
  • Third-party administrators
  • Courts and administrative bodies
  • Tribal Courts and communities
  • Employers
  • Schools and universities
  • State and federal agencies

We serve clients throughout Everett, Lynnwood, Edmonds, Bothell, Seattle, and the entire Puget Sound and Pacific Northwest region.

Why Access Neuropsychology Northwest?

Scientific Rigor & Objectivity

Our conclusions are evidence-based and clearly explained.

Skilled Forensic Neuropsychologists

Both Dr. Reilly and Dr. Kearns are trained and experienced in forensic methodology, diagnostic precision, and expert testimony.

Thorough Medical-Legal Documentation

Our reports withstand legal scrutiny and serve as reliable expert evidence.

Comprehensive Validity Assessment

We use multiple performance validity tests (PVTs) and symptom validity tests (SVTs) to ensure accuracy.

Request a Forensic Neuropsychological Evaluation Western Washington

To inquire about fees, scheduling, or case suitability, please contact:

Access Neuropsychology Northwest
3525 Colby Avenue, Suite 211
Everett, WA 98201

We provide objective, comprehensive, and defensible forensic neuropsychological evaluations for legal, occupational, and administrative contexts.