Read Online Crisis by Robin Cook - Free Book Online Page B
Authors: Robin Cook
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won by the defense. Here in Massachusetts, by statute your claim must go before a tribunal, and with the facts you've given me, it probably will stop there."
Craig's pulse had come down to a nearly normal level.
"You're wise to have contacted us so early in the course of this unfortunate affair, Dr. Bowman. In short order, we will assign a skilled, experienced attorney to the case, and for that we will need to get the summons and the complaint ASAP. You are required to answer within thirty days of service."
"I can messenger this material on Monday."
"That will be perfect. Meanwhile, let me suggest you begin to refresh your mind about the case, particularly by getting your records together. It's something that has to be done, and it will give you the feeling you are doing something constructive to protect yourself. From our experience, we know that is important."
Craig found himself nodding in agreement.
"In regard to your records, Dr. Bowman, I must warn you not to change them in any way or form. That means do not change a misspelled word or an obvious grammatical error or something you might feel is sloppy. Do not change any dates. In short, do not change a thing. Do you understand?"
"Absolutely."
"Good! Of those malpractice cases found for the plaintiff, a sizable number involved some editing of the records, even if the editing was entirely inconsequential. Any alteration is a recipe for disaster, since it impugns your integrity and truthfulness. I hope I'm making myself clear."
"Perfectly clear. Thank you, Mr. Marshall. I'm feeling a bit better."
"And indeed you should, doctor. Rest assured, we will be giving your case our full attention since all of us want to bring it to a speedy, successful conclusion so that you can get back to what you do best: taking care of your patients."
"I'd like nothing better."
"We are at your service, Dr. Bowman. One last issue, of which I'm sure you are already cognizant. Do not ... I repeat ... do not discuss this matter with anyone accept your spouse and the attorney we assign! This extends to all colleagues, acquaintances, and even close friends. This is very important."
Craig looked guiltily across the table at Leona, realizing how much he'd been inappropriately babbling. "Close friends?" Craig questioned. "That means possibly having to forgo emotional support."
"We recognize that, but the downside is worse."
"And what exactly is the downside?" He wasn't sure how much of the incoming conversation Leona could hear. She was watching him intently.
"Because friends and colleagues are discoverable. Plaintiff attorneys can and do, if it serves their interests, force friends, even close friends, and colleagues to be witnesses, often to great effect."
"I'll keep that in mind," Craig said. "Thank you for your admonitions, Mr. Marshall." Craig's pulse had quickened again. Being honest with himself, he had to admit that he really didn't know Leona beyond her youthful and understandable self-centeredness. Having been so talkative added to his anxiety.
"And thank you, Dr. Bowman. We will be in touch as soon as we get the summons and the complaint. Try to relax and go about your life."
"I'll try," Craig said without a lot of conviction. He knew he was going to be living under a dark cloud until all was settled. What he didn't know was how dark it was going to get. In the meantime, he vowed to avoid calling attention to Leona's accent. He was smart enough to know that what he had confided about his feelings toward Patience Stanhope would not play well in a court of law.
New York, New York October 9, 2005 4:45 p.m.
Jack Stapleton turned his attention to the heart and the lungs. In front of him spread out on the autopsy table was the naked, gutted remains of a white, fifty-seven-year-old female. The victim's head was propped up on a wooden block, and her unseeing eyes stared blankly at the overhead fluorescent lights. Up until that point in the postmortem, there had been little
Craig's pulse had come down to a nearly normal level.
"You're wise to have contacted us so early in the course of this unfortunate affair, Dr. Bowman. In short order, we will assign a skilled, experienced attorney to the case, and for that we will need to get the summons and the complaint ASAP. You are required to answer within thirty days of service."
"I can messenger this material on Monday."
"That will be perfect. Meanwhile, let me suggest you begin to refresh your mind about the case, particularly by getting your records together. It's something that has to be done, and it will give you the feeling you are doing something constructive to protect yourself. From our experience, we know that is important."
Craig found himself nodding in agreement.
"In regard to your records, Dr. Bowman, I must warn you not to change them in any way or form. That means do not change a misspelled word or an obvious grammatical error or something you might feel is sloppy. Do not change any dates. In short, do not change a thing. Do you understand?"
"Absolutely."
"Good! Of those malpractice cases found for the plaintiff, a sizable number involved some editing of the records, even if the editing was entirely inconsequential. Any alteration is a recipe for disaster, since it impugns your integrity and truthfulness. I hope I'm making myself clear."
"Perfectly clear. Thank you, Mr. Marshall. I'm feeling a bit better."
"And indeed you should, doctor. Rest assured, we will be giving your case our full attention since all of us want to bring it to a speedy, successful conclusion so that you can get back to what you do best: taking care of your patients."
"I'd like nothing better."
"We are at your service, Dr. Bowman. One last issue, of which I'm sure you are already cognizant. Do not ... I repeat ... do not discuss this matter with anyone accept your spouse and the attorney we assign! This extends to all colleagues, acquaintances, and even close friends. This is very important."
Craig looked guiltily across the table at Leona, realizing how much he'd been inappropriately babbling. "Close friends?" Craig questioned. "That means possibly having to forgo emotional support."
"We recognize that, but the downside is worse."
"And what exactly is the downside?" He wasn't sure how much of the incoming conversation Leona could hear. She was watching him intently.
"Because friends and colleagues are discoverable. Plaintiff attorneys can and do, if it serves their interests, force friends, even close friends, and colleagues to be witnesses, often to great effect."
"I'll keep that in mind," Craig said. "Thank you for your admonitions, Mr. Marshall." Craig's pulse had quickened again. Being honest with himself, he had to admit that he really didn't know Leona beyond her youthful and understandable self-centeredness. Having been so talkative added to his anxiety.
"And thank you, Dr. Bowman. We will be in touch as soon as we get the summons and the complaint. Try to relax and go about your life."
"I'll try," Craig said without a lot of conviction. He knew he was going to be living under a dark cloud until all was settled. What he didn't know was how dark it was going to get. In the meantime, he vowed to avoid calling attention to Leona's accent. He was smart enough to know that what he had confided about his feelings toward Patience Stanhope would not play well in a court of law.
New York, New York October 9, 2005 4:45 p.m.
Jack Stapleton turned his attention to the heart and the lungs. In front of him spread out on the autopsy table was the naked, gutted remains of a white, fifty-seven-year-old female. The victim's head was propped up on a wooden block, and her unseeing eyes stared blankly at the overhead fluorescent lights. Up until that point in the postmortem, there had been little
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