The Forensic Neuropsychology Section is within the Neuropsychology Division and provides specialty neuropsychological services for parties needing cognitive and psychological assessment within a legal context. The Forensic Neuropsychology Section works closely with the Forensic Psychiatry Division in the USF Department of Psychiatry and Neurosciences.

Forensic neuropsychology is the application of neuropsychological science and methods to the legal system. A forensic neuropsychological examination is performed by a neuropsychologist who is hired as an independent contractor by a third party, such as an attorney, insurance company, or the court to make a determination regarding neuropsychological functioning. Forensic neuropsychological evaluations in civil litigation often involve determination of the presence or absence of neurological and/or psychiatric disorders, causality related to a specific event or injury, documentation of the extent of functional deficits, discussion of limitations to competence or daily functioning, prognosis, medical necessity of treatment and/or disability status. The neuropsychological examination may be used to assist in determining competency to stand trial, issues of responsibility for the crime, or in sentencing/mitigation in criminal litigation. The USF Neuropsychology Division has board certified clinical neuropsychologists with expertise in forensic neuropsychology. The USF Neuropsychology Division offers neuropsychological expertise for civil and criminal legal action. Forensic neuropsychological assessments may include record review, neuropsychological/neurocognitive testing, litigant and collateral interviews, behavioral observation, and integration of these data to a report provided to attorneys and frequently the court. USF Neuropsychologists can also offer 2nd opinions and review of available neuropsychological and medical records to assist with preparing cross examinations and legal formulations.

Special Areas of Expertise:

• Independent Medical/Psychological Evaluations (IME's)
• Psychological Testing and Assessment
• Neuropsychological Testing and Assessment
• Personal Injury
• Fitness for Duty
• Impaired Professionals
• Worker's Compensation
• Disability Insurance or Social Security Disability Determinations
• Motor Vehicle Accidents
• Chronic Pain Disorders
• Head Injury / Traumatic Brain Injury
• Post-Concussion Syndrome
• Acquired Brain Disorders
• Neurotoxic Syndromes
• Civil & Criminal Competency Issues
• Mitigating Circumstances in Sentencing
• Competency & Sanity of Murder Defendants
• Case Reviews
• Private Consultations

Please contact us at (813) 974-5951 if you wish to inquire about our services.