Psychological Evaluation of Children in Personal Injury Lawsuits

Jemour A. Maddux (Author)

9781433842849

Paperback / softback, published 14 July 2026

223 pages
22.9 x 15.2 x 1.5 cm, 0.666 kg

"Psychological Evaluation of Children in Personal Injury Lawsuits fills a striking gap in the forensic literature by spelling out what competent child personal injury assessments actually require. Clinicians, attorneys, and courts alike will benefit from its thoughtful analysis of legal standards and its practical guidance for structuring evaluations that are rigorous, transparent, and useful." - Eric G. Mart, PhD, ABPP (Forensic), private practice, Portsmouth, NH

A guide to evaluating minors in personal injury cases that describes the relevant legal framework, applicable psychological principles, and pertinent methodology.

This clear, comprehensive, and accessible resource provides readers with the essential knowledge and skills they need to become effective personal injury evaluators for cases involving minors. With a lens on the legal landscape, including tort law, legal issues particular to minors, general standards and rules, Jemour Maddux examines psychological principles that are foundational to minor evaluations including developmental psychology, child and adolescent psychopathology, malingering, and psychological responses to pain. Practical chapters offer procedural instructions concerning preparing for the evaluation, determining exam accommodations, conducting the assessment process, integrating culturally sensitive data into analyses, writing reports, and avoiding common ethical pitfalls. Injuries subsequent to child abuse, traumatic brain injury, and other medical injuries are highlighted.

Preface
Acknoweldgments
Chapter 1. Introduction
Part I. Legal Framework
Chapter 2. Legal Standards and Rules for Forensic Psychologists
Chapter 3. Tort Law
Chapter 4. Child Injury Law
Part II. Principles
Chapter 5. Developmental Psychology for Litigated Harm
Chapter 6. Child and Adolescent Mental Health
Chapter 7. Injured Children and Malingering
Part III. Methods
Chapter 8. Preparation
Chapter 9. Assessment
Chapter 10. Data Integration, Analysis, and Conclusions
References
About the Author