Newly updated: Lewkovich PI Checklist – incoming cases
Colossus and other AI software consider what is essential in PI cases. Long narratives are not helpful. Facts are crucial.
To get started Dr. Lewkovich offers an excellent one page overview to help conceptualize the PI case.
What’s new: Data points for the increasing demand for ‘active care’ and regional stabilization. Patients who fail to reach reasonable goals of rehab have poorer disabilities.
E-mail John for a copy of the PI Checklist at:
johntawlian@shawnsteel.com
MRI CLINIC OWNER ARRESTED FOR FRAUD
Sim Hoffman, MD, 58 posted bond of 1.5 million for 844 felony charges for insurance fraud, according to the Orange County Sheriff’s dept.
Thomas Heric, 74, MD was also indicted for charges of overbilling insurance companies 3.2 million dollars.
The name of the clinic is Professional Imaging in Buena Park.
SHAWN’S SPEAKING SCHEDULE
Victor Tong, DC & AssociatesMonrovia 08/20/2011
Riverside 09/10/2011
SCU Centennial Extravaganzahttp://www.scuhs.edu/extravaganza/
The Best and Worst Cases for June
SAN JOSE JURY GIVES BIG AWARD
Barbara Beach, 40, engineer was driving northbound on Highway 85 in Cupertino, when she was rear-ended. The impact not only hurt her neck but caused damage to her facet joints.
Beach sought care from her MD who prescribed pills. Then she got care from a DC. Her diagnosis was cervical facet joint syndrome. She underwent a series of radiofrequency neurotomies, which deactivates the medial branch nerve. The procedure is not long lasting as the nerve regenerates.
Beach also claimed she lost some $200,000 in LOE. Defendant claimed Beach suffered only “soft tissue” Beach demanded $100,000. St Farm offered $30,000.
The jury awarded $552,858.25 in damages. The court added $ 84,141.75 in courts costs and interest to Beach for a total award of $ 637,000.
Barbara Beach v. Upadhyay, Santa Clara Sup Ct 1-10-CV-160734 , Judge Thomas Hansen
- The DC needs early detection for unusual injuries and appropriate MD confirmation.
SAN JOAQUIN JURY AWARDS ZERO
Michelle Richardson 41, social worker, was sideswiped by defendant. She claimed injuries to her neck and back. Defendant conceded liability.
At arbitration, Richardson was awarded $4351.04. She rejected the award and demanded a trial. Richardson demanded some $25,000 at trial for a chiropractic bill of $1574. Defendant proved that Richardson has treated with the same doctor for several years complaining of the same type problems, including the day before the accident. The jury concluded defendant was negligent but not the cause of pre existing chronic problems.
CSAA retained Susan Bromley DC, of Sacramento to rebut the necessity for care in the sideswipe accident.
CSAA offered $501. They will charge several thousands of their costs to Richardson direct.
Richardson vs. Meier, San Joaquin Sup Ct , 39-2008-191159, Judge Duane Martin
- Sideswipe accidents are notoriously difficult to prove the victim received a direct injury producing impact.
- Always for pre existing patients, distinguish clearly the difference from prior complaints to the present accident complaints.
