STEVE BAST, MHS, CVE, CDMS, FVE, ABVE/D, IPEC, CCM, EA
CURRENT PRACTICE– Mr. Bast has been a Forensic Rehabilitationist for 36 years, working mainly in complex litigation matters. He is retained by Plaintiff and Defense firms alike to conduct damages assessments in a range of legal arenas. Many of his cases involve quantification of damages sustained in terms of earning capacity loss and future care needs. His methodology is organized and methodic. His logic and his reports are detailed, understandable, and persuasive.
EDUCATION & RESEARCH– Mr. Bast earned his master’s degree in Rehabilitation Counseling from the University of Florida. He is active in several professional associations (including AREA, IARP, ABVE, & NAFE), and has held numerous leadership roles in these over the years. He is involved in ongoing research, has published several important works in peer reviewed journals, and has given talks at educational conferences throughout the country.
PHOTOS– Photo at left was taken in 2023, photo on homepage was taken at the AREA annual educational conference in 2024. Mr. Bast enjoys photography and canoeing.
COMPANY HISTORY–
Westwind Consulting, Inc. was founded in 1992. Beginning in the late 1990’s, colleagues Dr. John M. Williams and Mr. Bast were friends and worked together on cases. Together, they did cutting edge research, developed a number of analytical models still in use today, and they spoke and published about their research findings. In 2008, when Dr. Williams died of a heart attack, the two businesses merged: Dr. John M. Williams & Associates, Inc. and Westwind Consulting, Inc.
CREDENTIALS–
- CVE– Certified Vocational Evaluation Specialist (https://crccertification.com/cve-certification)
- CDMS– Certified Disability Management Specialist (www.cdms.org)
- FVE– Forensic Vocational Expert & Earnings Analyst (www.a-r-e-a.org/?page_id=387)
- CCM– Certified Case Manager (https://ccmcertification.org)
- IPEC– International Psychometric Evaluation Certification (www.abve.net/certification)
- ABVE/D– Diplomate of the American Board of Vocational Experts (www.abve.net/certification)
- EA– Forensic Vocational Expert & Earnings Analyst (www.a-r-e-a.org/?page_id=387)
SELECTED References–
| Your approach has always been thorough, thoughtful and comprehensive in these matters. In my opinion, your detailed assessments, investigation, and testimony have always been professional and well versed in the latest research and source materials. Without hesitation, I will continue to recommend your professional services to others. -Peter Frommer, Esq. (2019) -Law Office of David S. Lefton (Plantation, FL) | Your assistance in this matter proved invaluable. The insights you provided regarding the LCP and Voc Rehab issues were put to very good use during the mediation – both in the opening and throughout the negotiations. -William C. McCue, Esq. (2022) -Torres Victor (Fort Lauderdale, FL) |
| Mr. Bast is at the top of his field in the practice of forensic rehabilitation. His reports are thorough and exacting and his ability to relay his opinions during deposition and/or at trial is outstanding. -Kenneth P. Carman, Esq. (2019) -Torres Victor (Fort Lauderdale, FL) | I have valued your expertise and fine work. You have consistently provided well-researched and thorough evaluations, testimony, and reports to me and my clients. I view your forensic rehabilitation practice as professional. -Melissa Dorman Matthews, Esq. (2019) -Steptoe & Johnson, PLLC (Dallas, TX) |
CV–