physician income and increasing expenses there’s no way I could afford to hire my own attorney without mortgaging my house and my children’s college education.”
“I know Cliff, but I’m duty bound to give you that advice.”
“I understand.”
“Okay. I’d like to get down to some medical details. In the fifteen years that I’ve been doing this kind of work, this is the first time I’ve been involved with a case of DIC. People tell me laughingly that I know more then most doctors, but you forced me to the medical books to read up on it. To say the least, it’s a complicated issue. What amazes me is that you showed what I interpret as real expertise in handling this extremely rare condition.”
“Thank you.”
“As I see it now, the case will hinge on what experts say about your treatment. I suspect I’ll need a hematologist. Do you agree?”
“Yes, as far as the details of the diagnosis and the basic physiology of the coagulation cascade is concerned, and the patho-physiology of DIC, and the use of heparin. If there is an academician who specializes in coagulation problems, that would be a good idea as well. I would also think that an experienced general surgeon would be important to have on my side.”
“You’re right, but don’t think of it in terms of one side or the other. A consultant is supposed to review the case, and speak only to its medical merits with no consideration to the defendant or the plaintiff.”
“I would agree with that, but that’s not what I hear happens with some hired guns.”
“Sad, but true, Cliff. Do you have any suggestions of a hematologist we can use?”
“We have a good hematology group in the hospital where I practice, but I’m wondering if it would be better to go outside to academia and get someone who doesn’t know me.”
“That’s good thinking for one inexperienced in the legal system. Any recommendations?”
“Locally?”
“Preferable.”
Dr. Harris thought for a few seconds and then offered, “Doctor Glen Drossman, chief of hematology at Loyola University. I heard him lecture once on heparin use in surgery.”
“Good, he may be perfect. What about a general surgeon? We’ve used Dr. John Velusi, chief of surgery at Michael Reese.”
“Yes, I know him.”
“How well?”
“I met him once at a surgical conference where he was on a surgical panel. I was introduced to him and we shook hands. I doubt he would even remember me.”
“That’s good. He’s a superb expert witness, passionate about any case he believes in. I’ll get in touch with both of these gentlemen.”
“Thank you, Betty. That gives me a little more confidence.”
“What I’d like to do is send them your records. In the meantime I’ve got more boning up to do on your case and its details. I’ll interview the experts one at a time and then you and I will get together. In that way I’ll be more thoroughly prepared to have a good discussion with you and get your viewpoint and tell you what the experts have to say.”
“That makes sense. I appreciate that.”
“So when I’m ready, I’ll call you and we’ll meet again.”
“Yes, it’s been a pleasure meeting you. Thank you.”
Dr. Harris went down to the lobby of the large high-rise office building. Laurel was there. They had driven down town together, and she had gone shopping while he had his interview.
“How’d it go,” Laurel asked as they walked across the street to the La Salle Pub.
“Good. I had a long talk with the attorney. She seems very experienced and knowledgeable.”
“She?”
“Yeah. Good looking too.”
“Better looking than me?”
“Impossible.”
“I bet you tell that to all the girls.”
They sat down and ordered lunch. Laurel asked, “How are you doing?
“Good, why?”
“Well, since we first heard about this case, and we had that great research project that first evening, you’ve changed. I think reality has set in. You’re different. Quieter. A little withdrawn. Are you worried?”
“It doesn’t leave my mind, if that’s what you mean.”
“That’s what I thought.”
He reached for her hand and grasped it tightly. “If I should lose, we’re bankrupt.”
“You won’t lose,” she said confidently.
“That’s a relief,” Cliff said with a laugh.
With a warm smile, Laurel said, “I won’t let you get jumpy. You need to learn how to relax. We’ll have to do more research.”
“We will? Then I hope I have more malpractice suits if that’s what it takes. You’re one class act, lady. I still can’t get my eyes off you just like when I bumped into you at the U. of I.”
“You can bump into me again any time.”
Cliff and Laurel finished their brunch making jovial small talk, beneath which, lay their unspoken fears about the outcome of the malpractice suit.
CHAPTER 8
Sanjay Madhava, M.D. visited his malpractice attorney. They shook hands and this almost gave Dr. Madhava a neck strain as he had to look up at attorney, Paul Stuart, handsome, dark hair, penetrating eyes, six foot four and with the build of a professional wrestler. Before Stuart could say a word, Dr. Madhava blurted out, “I don’t belong on this suit. What are chances of getting me dismissed.”
Stuart calmly replied, “I don’t blame you, doctor, and I assure you we always strive for that goal if possible, but to reach it we need to provide the judge with a very good reason. The big issue will be the heparin injection.”
“Dr. Harris insisted it be used.”
“I can appreciate that, doctor, and it will be my job to convince the jury likewise. We will study the medical chart carefully and be fully prepared to defend your actions if this suit comes to trial. We need an expert witness anesthesiologist to testify on your behalf. We’ve used Dr. Torgerson from the University of Illinois and I plan to send him the record. Do you know him?”
“He’s well known I’ve seen him at meetings. I never met him though.”
“Does
