Here’s another thought: Malar fractures are common in barroom brawls, but it takes a roundhouse punch to do it. The face isn’t that fragile or no one could play football. Its hard to imagine how, in the confines of an ambulance, the paramedic could have developed enough momentum to produce that much force. Of course that can’t be proved.
In their quest to appear so virtuous, doctors have given away their profession. Maybe I would have had some sympathy for the "patient" if he had been handcuffed when he was hit, as he should have been arrested by the police since it appeared at the scene that he was intoxicated. Or at least this was undisputed. So where were the police?
It's bad enough that this POS caused an accident, but now employs a scum PI lawyer who collects at least 33% of the haul as his contingency fee.
The EMT should learn how to punch the guy in the gut and leave no tell tale signs.
To put my pithy remarks in context, I am a disgruntled retired orthopedic surgeon as you my have guessed whose life and career were ruined by KY lawyers, and judges. All in my memoirs. "My Medical Legal Back Pages." Archway.
PS: Many physicians are not nice people either. So let the nasty rebuttal begin, unless of course this post gets censored.
By the way, I enjoy your newsletter tremendously. I am a retired plastic surgeon, though still teach and do mission work; but there is tremendous fun in thinking through clinical cases of all types, and that's what you generously provide us. it's important to keep thinking like physicians!
Thanks so much! I really enjoy reading other doctor's comments on the cases... there are often angles I haven't considered and its always great to hear from people who have niche expertise that applies to a case. Reviewing these cases together makes us all better doctors.
We don't know what the blood alcohol level was. All of the plaintiff's injuries could've been sustained in the accident. And abrasions and a nondisplaced zygomatic/malar fracture do not require treatment and should not result in any disability.
The drunk driver/complainant himself doesn't know what happened, so nothing he says is credible. Not even a case here. Must have been a really hungry bottom of the barrel lawyer to take this on. The paramedic should have bought him a round of drinks & called it a day.
It’s so hard now days to muster up any sympathy for patients/family members/public that seemingly have no accountability for their own behavior. I document consistently in the chart any interference in care or other form of behavior that can show how they contributed to a situation. I never used to do that but times have changed since COVID and there is a real lack of any accountability on the patient side of the healthcare relationship.
Was there another paramedic in the ambulance? Having a 1:1 medic to patient ratio seems less than ideal, especially if said patient is intoxicated or altered for some other reason, the power dynamic there is way too imbalanced.
If he wasn’t charged by the police for assault, then he shouldn’t have to pay for an assault. Problem with our legal system and malpractice laws. I know it doesn’t work this way but it should. 100k is outrageous sum to give to someone who will likely spend it get drunk some more and potentially hurting someone. Rewarding him is tantamount to rewarding his acts.
Here’s another thought: Malar fractures are common in barroom brawls, but it takes a roundhouse punch to do it. The face isn’t that fragile or no one could play football. Its hard to imagine how, in the confines of an ambulance, the paramedic could have developed enough momentum to produce that much force. Of course that can’t be proved.
In their quest to appear so virtuous, doctors have given away their profession. Maybe I would have had some sympathy for the "patient" if he had been handcuffed when he was hit, as he should have been arrested by the police since it appeared at the scene that he was intoxicated. Or at least this was undisputed. So where were the police?
It's bad enough that this POS caused an accident, but now employs a scum PI lawyer who collects at least 33% of the haul as his contingency fee.
The EMT should learn how to punch the guy in the gut and leave no tell tale signs.
To put my pithy remarks in context, I am a disgruntled retired orthopedic surgeon as you my have guessed whose life and career were ruined by KY lawyers, and judges. All in my memoirs. "My Medical Legal Back Pages." Archway.
PS: Many physicians are not nice people either. So let the nasty rebuttal begin, unless of course this post gets censored.
I'm sure you were relieved, yet disappointed, to leave ortho. Retirement is welcome, unless one is pushed out.
By the way, I enjoy your newsletter tremendously. I am a retired plastic surgeon, though still teach and do mission work; but there is tremendous fun in thinking through clinical cases of all types, and that's what you generously provide us. it's important to keep thinking like physicians!
Thanks so much! I really enjoy reading other doctor's comments on the cases... there are often angles I haven't considered and its always great to hear from people who have niche expertise that applies to a case. Reviewing these cases together makes us all better doctors.
We don't know what the blood alcohol level was. All of the plaintiff's injuries could've been sustained in the accident. And abrasions and a nondisplaced zygomatic/malar fracture do not require treatment and should not result in any disability.
The drunk driver/complainant himself doesn't know what happened, so nothing he says is credible. Not even a case here. Must have been a really hungry bottom of the barrel lawyer to take this on. The paramedic should have bought him a round of drinks & called it a day.
It’s so hard now days to muster up any sympathy for patients/family members/public that seemingly have no accountability for their own behavior. I document consistently in the chart any interference in care or other form of behavior that can show how they contributed to a situation. I never used to do that but times have changed since COVID and there is a real lack of any accountability on the patient side of the healthcare relationship.
Was there another paramedic in the ambulance? Having a 1:1 medic to patient ratio seems less than ideal, especially if said patient is intoxicated or altered for some other reason, the power dynamic there is way too imbalanced.
There was one driving. I don't think I've ever seen 2 in the back and one driving, but maybe a few places do that?
Got it - that makes sense. I never realized that, thank you.
If he wasn’t charged by the police for assault, then he shouldn’t have to pay for an assault. Problem with our legal system and malpractice laws. I know it doesn’t work this way but it should. 100k is outrageous sum to give to someone who will likely spend it get drunk some more and potentially hurting someone. Rewarding him is tantamount to rewarding his acts.
Debility?? Lol. Just kidding.
Had to after the proofreading comment.
Also 100% agree. Weak writing.
Fine work. Ya, from experience, he lied and tried to make up an excuse.
But it is true. We are alone and we are getting assaulted pretty regularly.