SITUATION:
The female plaintiff was 5 years old when she was bitten on the cheek by a relative's dog. She had two hospitalizations and one plastic surgery (possible future second revision) to repair the wound, which resulted in a two inch long scar and separate indentation below her cheek, near her jaw.

The key vocational issue in the case was whether the child could work as a model in the future, given her facial scar. She had done some modeling as a baby and her mother wanted her to be a model when she matured. The mother contended the scar would now prevent this vocational goal.

Andersen relied on medical documents, research on successful models with facial scars and interviews with makeup technicians to develop his opinion. Andersen's opinion was that not only could the child expect to earn a living commensuratew ith her parents (both 2 year college graduates), but that her degree of facial scarring was not a barrier to modeling. In fact, his research determined that advancesin plastic surgery, makeup and photo retouching no longer necessarily barred people with facial scars from successful careers in modeling or entertainment.

ABOUT RICHARD ANDERSEN:
Richard Andersen holds national certifications as a Rehabilitation Counselor, Vocational Evaluator and Disability Management Specialist, with 36 years experience in vocational rehabilitation. He has also testified in Superior Court in 10 California counties. VECTOR, Inc. specializes in vocational rehabilitation counseling, disability research and forensic rehabilitation services, including vocational expert testimony on personal injury, medical malpractice, wrongful death, and harassment matters. The firm, founded in 1975, serves both plaintiff and defense attorneys, providing the link between the physician and the economist to precisely determine damages.