Psycholegal Implications of Malingered Head Trauma

In this article we examine the roles of individuals involved in traumatic head injury claims. These roles are described in terms of their integrated affects on one another, the outcome of the claim, and ultimately, society. Particular focus is on the role of the neuropsychologist as diagnostician, therapist, expert witness, and consultant; however, the roles of the plaintiff, the defendants, the attorneys, the judges, and juries also are addressed. The costs for invalid claims are high and ultimately fall on society in terms of higher health care costs, insurance premiums, and taxes. Because of this impact on society, the responsibility of neuropsychologists who diagnose, treat, and serve as expert witnesses and consultants in head injury claims cannot be underestimated.