"Ms. Weight," Joe said, "please tell the jury what you do for a living." "I am an occupational therapist," Nancy replied. "I am trained in kinesiology, which is the science of movement in the human body. I am trained in anatomy and in rehabilitation techniques. I work with injured people and help them identify their newly acquired disabilities. After that, I help them recover if possible. If recovery does not happen I help the patient develop ways to regain lost skills and abilities."

"What can you tell the jury about the plaintiff," Joe asked. "Jean's is a difficult case," Nancy replied. Her problems are obvious if you are trained in what to look for. However, her difficulties are not readily apparent to casual observation."

"Why do you say that?" Nancy looked back at Joe. "Usually the disabilities people have are physically disabling," she said. "But sometimes the problems are emotionally or mentally disabling too. Jean's case is like that because she is very dependant on her hands to be productive at work. When she was unable to do her work I saw signs of depression in her."

Later, Leslie joined Jean for dinner. "What happened today?" she asked Jean. "Nancy Weight testified," Jean said. "Isn't she the lady who followed you around at work?" Leslie asked. Jean nodded. "So what was she able to say?" asked Leslie.

"Remember," Jean said. "It was Nancy who first noticed things even I was unable to explain. It wasn't until after my doctor saw her report he started to understand how the hand injury affected me at work. Once she explained it clearly he was able to help me much more. I think she made it clear for the jury to understand in the same way."

"Why do you say that?" asked Leslie. "Well," replied Jean, "Nancy helped me find ways to improve my keyboard skills at work. But I am still not as good as I was. Nancy was able to clearly explain the problems I had, how I had improved and what problems I still had. With her training she was able to explain it more clearly that anyone else. She was even clearer than I was when I testified."

"Joe said that the O.T. is the cornerstone of the case," Jean went on. "He said her evidence is like the glue that holds much of the case together. And her report on what help I might need in the future is really important. I could never have foreseen the need for this wrist brace. But Nancy saw it almost as soon as we met."

A personal injury lawyer must do more than just fight the lawsuit. He must play a role in bringing a rehabilitation team together to help the client recover as much as possible. And he must know what is important to explain to the jury. At Horne Marr Zak we understand this. We try to play an active role in your rehabilitation. Our primary interest is in your future well-being.