What is a Functional Capacity Evaluation (FCE)?

What is a functional capacity evaluation (FCE)? An FCE evaluates your functional capacity for daily tasks or job duties. Our Atlanta personal injury lawyer can help you understand your rights and how an FCE can affect your claim. 

The Purpose of a Functional Capacity Evaluation 

If you sustained an injury that required physical or occupational therapy and kept you out of work or on light duty, you will likely need an FCE before returning to work.  This evaluation aims to determine your level of functioning in the daily activities required for work. Some of the situations that may call for an FCE include:

• Evaluate injury following an accident
• Evaluating functional capacity to identify adjustments to the treatment plan 
• Determining if you can return to work
• Determining when you may be able to return to work
• Gathering information for recommendations of accommodations

Parties Who May Request an FCE

Since an FCT can provide information in various settings, several types of individuals or entities may request one. An FCE may also be part of what the disability determination process looks like, so you may need to provide one to the social security office. Additionally, any of the following parties may request an evaluation:

• Your employer
• Your attorney
• The insurance company 
• Treating physician
• Occupational or physical therapist

Anyone who has an invested interest in your physical health and functioning may request an FCE. These results may be used to challenge the validity or severity of your injuries. However, they may also support their validity and how they affect your ability to perform everyday tasks. 

What to Expect During a Functional Capacity Evaluation

The idea of an FCE may feel daunting or overwhelming, but you can expect a few things during your evaluation. If you have detailed questions, you may want to refer them to your provider. Some of what you can expect at your Functional Capacity Evaluation include:

• Strength testing: To determine what kind of strength you have in the injured area and if it is adequate to function at work or in your daily life.
• Flexibility and Range of Motion: This will help determine if you are able to move in the ways required for your return to work. If you cannot manage the full range of motion, they can evaluate your limits and determine if your treatment plan should be adjusted or if you may have reached your maximum recovery.
• Task-specific testing: This may include performing tasks that mimic your job duties to evaluate if and how your injury may affect these tasks.
• You may be asked to perform tasks that cause discomfort or pain, which is important to prepare for and share openly with the evaluator. 

Additionally, you should come prepared to communicate clearly with your evaluator. During the evaluation, they will need updates on where you may be having trouble and how much pain or discomfort the activity causes. 

A portion of your Functional Capacity Evaluation is based on the evaluator’s assessment of your effort, meaning your communication and rapport with them can make a significant difference.  

How to Prepare for Your Evaluation in Georgia

Most of the data required for your evaluation is collected through testing at your appointment. However, prior to arrival, you should ensure you have fully read any pre-evaluation instructions, which may include avoiding certain activities or medications. Additionally, make sure you wear comfortable clothing appropriate for the activity,

As with any legal situation, documentation is critical, so you should ensure you bring any relevant information. This documentation may include medical records, a referral from your provider, or information about your job duties. These records can help inform the evaluator about your unique injury and provide more tailored recommendations. 

This exam can provide crucial information in your recovery and your case. If you have further questions regarding what you might need for the evaluation, you may want to speak with your provider and attorney. Reaching out to both parties will ensure you have any documents they might need to complete to resolve your case and anything you need medically. 

How an FCE can benefit your Personal Injury Case and Recovery

Because an FCE looks at many factors in your overall ability, it can give us vital information to inform our decision of what you should claim in damages.  When a trained medical professional completes this evaluation, it can provide concrete evidence of your injuries and how they affect your daily life.  If the evaluation shows that you cannot return to work or operate at full capacity, this may affect how much you claim in damages.

A significant portion of your compensation is related to the severity of your symptoms, how they may impact your life, and if they will have lasting effects. The insight provided by the FCE report may help us determine if you should request damages for future medical bills in addition to more standard costs such as:

• Current medical bills
• Lost wages
• Loss of earning potential 
• Pain and suffering

Call us Today for The Insight you Need 

If you are wondering about a Functional Capacity Evaluation, you may already be in the middle of a personal injury or workers’ compensation case. However, that doesn’t mean you can’t still benefit from the experienced legal support of the John Foy team. Our team has 25 years of experience fighting for injury victims in Atlanta and all over Georgia, and we are available to discuss your case. 

We provide free case consultations to determine your case’s needs, which may include reviewing or suggesting a Functional Capacity Evaluation to provide essential documentation of your injuries. We are Atlanta lawyers who only get paid when you win, so call us today.