Clinical expertise for legal professionals
Expert Witness and Case Review
A clear clinical perspective on hand and upper-extremity injury.
Based in Santa Barbara, Certified Hand Therapists Kate Saley and Heather Van Buren provide thoughtful, independent case review and expert testimony. Our work brings clinical context to hand and upper-extremity injuries, rehabilitation, and their impact on daily life.
Thoughtful review. Clear clinical insight.
Medical record review
A considered review of medical records, therapy documentation, and treatment history to clarify the course of rehabilitation and the clinical questions at hand.
Written opinions
Clearly written, evidence-based opinions on hand therapy, rehabilitation, and functional impact, grounded in the records and within our clinical scope.
Deposition testimony
Carefully prepared clinical opinions, communicated with clarity and supported by the records and relevant evidence.
Trial testimony
Clear, accessible explanations of hand and upper-extremity rehabilitation and function for judges and juries.
Specialized experience. Individual attention.
Meet your clinical experts
Kate Saley
MA, OTR/L, CHT
Clinical experience in postoperative rehabilitation, custom orthosis fabrication, wound care, and complex traumatic injuries.
Email KateHeather Van Buren
MA, OTR/L, CHT
Clinical experience treating complex fractures, tendon and nerve repairs, postoperative conditions, and upper-extremity injuries.
Email HeatherUnderstanding the clinical picture
We help legal professionals understand how an injury affects movement, recovery, and everyday function, with careful attention to the documented course of care.
Care & recovery
What do the records show about treatment, rehabilitation progress, and ongoing therapy needs?
Everyday function
How are hand and upper-extremity limitations documented in relation to work, self-care, and daily activities?
Areas of clinical focus
Our work centers on the hand, wrist, elbow, and upper extremity, including:
- Fractures and postoperative rehabilitation
- Tendon, nerve, and soft-tissue injuries
- Orthoses, splinting, and rehabilitation needs
- Functional limitations affecting work and daily activities
- Recovery progress and ongoing therapy needs
Each inquiry is reviewed for clinical fit, availability, and potential conflicts before an engagement is accepted.
A considered approach
- Initial inquiry: Share the general nature of the case, the assistance requested, and key deadlines.
- Scope and fit: Discuss the clinical questions, required materials, availability, and engagement terms.
- Review and analysis: Evaluate the relevant records and develop independent clinical opinions.
- Reporting and testimony: Provide the agreed written work and testimony support.
Connect with Riviera
Discuss a Case
Connect directly with Heather and Kate to discuss your case, the clinical questions, and timing. We’ll review fit, availability, and fees with you.
Email Heather & KateCall (805) 259-1332
Please keep your initial email general. We’ll coordinate the next steps for sharing case materials after we connect.