BLOG: EXAMINING THE PLAINTIFF’S SURGEON

July 2, 2019

By: Frank Scahill

How do you cross examine plaintiff's expert orthopedic surgeon when you discover the plaintiff has failed to reveal a prior accident and prior lawsuit, involving the same injuries as in your case to her treating physician?

Dr. David Neuman charged plaintiff's counsel $12,000 to testify on a Bronx Case, Ina Allick-Diallo, Maria Davis and Rahim Davis v. Wokary Dit Boubaca Ouonogo and Mohamed Diakite (300445/15), before Judge Donald Miles.

In what can be used by defense counsel as a template for cross -examination in this situation, Tim Jones, did a masterful job in highlighting the gaping hole in Dr. Neuman's diagnosis, that being the credibility of his patient. Dr. Neuman was walked through the importance of historical accuracy in framing a proper diagnosis, the lack of candor on the plaintiff's part, and finally, gaining an admission from the Doctor that his opinion could be flawed because of the failure of the plaintiff to give a truthful response.

Highlights from the cross-examination are below. The full cross-examination is worth a quick read.

Doctor, I want to talk a few minutes about taking a history from the patient, okay. And you would agree that taking the history from a patient is an important component of the interview process?
A. It's an integral part.
Q. I mean, it's important?
A. It has some merits.
Q. The reason it has merits, in every one of your reports you didn't leave it out; you considered it important?
A. I believe it's an important facet.
Q. And if you're going to testify in court and give the jury an opinion on causation, in other words, whether or not the accident of July 24, 2014 actually caused her problems, you would want to know if she had any prior similar injuries, correct? Would that be one of the reasons you would ask?
A. Yes.
Q. So you asked her that question, didn't you?
A. Yes.
Q. And in fact, Doctor Joyce Goldenberg, your associate, asked the plaintiff that question on August 5, 2014. Did you see that in your chart? Take a look at it.
A. I think, yes, August 5th of 2014.
Q. Tell the jury what Doctor Joyce Goldenberg noted in her records with respect to having taking the history from Ms. Davis?
A. She took a history --
Q. Just the note. It says patient denies any prior similar injuries, something to that effect?
A. Patient denies previous injuries or prior history to the involved areas.
Q. And you just stated before on direct examination from Ms. Kim that you reviewed the IME reports of Doctor Buckner and Doctor Carciente, correct?
A. Yes.
Q. And they specifically asked this particular plaintiff if she had any prior similar injuries, did you see that component in the report?
A. I believe so.
Q. And she denied it to them, too?
A. I think so, yes.
Q. Were you aware before today, doctor, that the plaintiff had a lawsuit as a result of the 2002 accident?
A. No.
Q. Were you aware before today, doctor, that the plaintiff claimed serious personal injuries as a result of the accident which resulted in a prior lawsuit? That's a yes or no question.
A. Probably no, right.
Q. Probably not.
A. I forgot the question.
Q. Are you aware, doctor, that the plaintiff had a previous lawsuit for which she claims serious, personal and permanent injuries?
A. No.
Q. Learning that now and being a very detailed physician who qualified his opinion on making sure he had all the records in front of him, knowing this now, would that cause you to potentially change your opinion about causation on some of the plaintiff's injuries that she say occurred in July 24th of 2014?
A. Depending on the extent of the injuries and the extent of the studies and care that she had, it may.
Q. Now obviously, doctor, the plaintiff did not tell you the truth about her history, can we agree on that?
Q. That's a yes or no question.
A. Yes.
Q. So the plaintiff was not truthful with Doctor Goldenberg as well, correct? That's a yes or no question.
A. Yes.
Q. She would have been untruthful with Doctor Buckner as well, correct?
A. Yes.
Q. So the plaintiff was also untruthful with Doctor Carciente, correct?
A. Yes.
Q. And if she's not truthful about it, it could cause you to give a flawed opinion on the issue of causation, right?
A. It could.Read the transcript here.

Scahill Law Group P.C.
1065 Stewart Avenue, Suite 210
Bethpage, NY 11714

(516) 294-5200

(516) 873-6229

info@scahillpc.com

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Paralegal

Scahill Law Group is a prominent Insurance Defense firm on Long Island. We are seeking experienced and motivated paralegals and Legal assistants to join our team.

Essential Duties and Responsibilities:

Following is a summary of the essential functions of this job. Other duties may be performed, both major and minor, which are not mentioned below. Specific activities may change from time to time.

Provide efficient administrative support.
Assist attorneys in handling cases from inception to the resolution of the matter.
Draft pleadings, discovery demands, responses, motions, various correspondence to clients and adversaries, etc.
Assist in trial preparation and various discovery.
Mail, fax, E-File, or arrange for delivery of legal correspondence to clients, witnesses, and court officials.
Assist attorneys in collecting information such as employment, medical, and other records.
Receive and place telephone calls.

Requirements

· 3 Plus years of experience as a Paralegal with working knowledge of insurance defense and/or Personal Injury Law

- Customer service skills
- Knowledge of Microsoft Office Suite

· Attention to detail, organized, time management

Ability to work in a fast-paced, high volume firm

Job Type: Full-time – Hybrid Remote Work

Benefits:

401(k)

Dental insurance

Health insurance

Paid time off

Trial Attorney-Insurance Defense

Scahill Law Group seeks a full-time Trial Attorney with a minimum of ten years of experience with an insurance defense background to take over a full pending caseload. The attorney would be responsible for representing civil defendants with primary venues being the five boroughs of New York City, Nassau, and Suffolk in Long Island and the Lower Hudson Valley. The position would require the Attorney to analyze lawsuits, prepare pleadings, conduct depositions and attend arbitrations, conferences, motions, and trials. The candidate must be organized, a team player, and able to handle a high volume of court appearances, virtual or/and in-person while handling a large caseload.

RESPONSIBILITIES INCLUDE

Analyze complex lawsuits referred from Claims and prepare necessary answers and responsive pleadings.
Interface and develop a rapport with our clients, claim customers, and our office team.
Conducts depositions and attends court conferences, arbitrations, motions, and trials.
Participates as a trial and/or appellate attorney in matters of significant exposure and complexity.
Possesses excellent knowledge of rules of evidence and civil procedure.
Possesses excellent knowledge of all aspects of Automobile Litigation, UM/SUM, and Premise Liability Insurance Law.
Provides legal research, advice, and direction to Claims on cases of significant exposure and complexity.
Work independently in making decisions in file handling, communicating those decisions appropriately, and keeping the Legal Management Team apprised.
Adept at working in a paperless environment, video conferencing skilled and proficient in computer legal case management systems.
Maintain minimum billing requirements

QUALlFICATIONS:

Possesses a minimum of ten years of relevant litigation and trial experience encompassing liability and damages verdicts.
Fully licensed to practice law in New York State and admitted to Federal Court in the Eastern and Southern Districts.
Must be able to handle a large caseload of High Indemnity matters including reporting requirements, roundtables, and a moderate to a significant amount of trial work.
Have a comprehensive knowledge of motor vehicle, premises, UM/SUM, and subrogation claims.

ADDITIONAL KNOWLEDGE. SKILLS AND ABILITIES

Excellent written and Oral Communication Skills
Willingness to work within the established system while also looking to improve processes and procedures and able to be flexible in all work assignments.
Proficiency with computer software including current Windows Operating System, MS Word, MS Teams, MS Outlook, and ability to adapt to new programs.

Legal Case Management Program experience is a plus. LexisNexis/TM

Attorney - Insurance Defense

Full Job Description

Attorney – Scahill Law Group
Responsible for handling a large volume of assigned litigation cases from inception through trial and to ensure all internal case handling and reporting requirements are consistent with the Scahill Law Group Litigation Philosophy and Litigation Management Guidelines. Provide the highest level of legal representation for Scahill Law Group Clients and their insureds.

Essential Duties and Responsibilities:
Following is a summary of the essential functions for this job. Other duties may be performed, both major and minor, which are not mentioned below. Specific activities may change from time to time.

Answer summonses and complaints
Initiate and respond to written discovery.
Prepare and respond to motions before the court.
Prepare for and attend all court appearances, as necessary.
Prepare for [including written submissions] and attend arbitrations where appropriate.
Prepare for, schedule, and conduct depositions and examinations under oath, as necessary.
Prepare for and attend trials, as necessary.
Maintain reporting procedures (i.e., file reviews, diary control)

Minimum Skills and Competencies:
The requirements listed below are representative of the knowledge, skill and/or ability required. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.

J.D. (Juris Doctor) Degree from an accredited US law school
Maintain appropriate licensing and educational requirements.
3 plus years of experience in insurance defense on behalf of an insurance carrier in any combination of the following areas: automobile liability, premise liability, liability claims and homeowner/premises,
Experience in all phases of litigation (including trials to verdict) involving complex, high risk and/or high exposure cases.
Possess a strong understanding of insurance law, including the laws and rules governing civil practice in the state of practice.
Ability to analyze legal issues and identify relevant case opinions and facts, as well as the ability to interpret laws, rules, and regulations.

Job Type: Full-time

Benefits:

401(k)
Dental insurance
Health insurance
Paid time off

Schedule:

Monday to Friday

Application Question(s):

Do you have experience in meeting hourly billing requirements?

Experience:

Insurance Defense: 3 years (Required)

Work Location: One location

Full Job Description

Primary Purpose:

Responsible for handling a large volume of assigned litigation from inception through trial and to ensure all internal case handling and reporting requirements are consistent with the Scahill Law Group Litigation Philosophy and Litigation Management Guidelines. Provide the highest level of legal representation for Scahill Law Group Clients and their insureds. Take ownership of any issue, problem, or error that could impact the company, policyholder, and/or loss participant.

Essential Duties and Responsibilities:

Following is a summary of the essential functions for this job. Other duties may be performed, both major and minor, which are not mentioned below. Specific activities may change from time to time.

Answer summonses and complaints
Initiate and respond to written discovery.
Prepare and respond to motions before the court.
Prepare for and attend all court appearances, as necessary.
Prepare for [including written submissions] and attend arbitrations where appropriate.
Prepare for, schedule, and conduct depositions and examinations under oath, as necessary.
Prepare for and attend trials, as necessary.
Maintain reporting procedures (i.e., file reviews, diary control)
Research and analyze legal questions and issues.
Write confidential legal memoranda.
Draft confidential opinions
Research and prepare post-trial motions and appeals.
Maintain current knowledge of applicable insurance law in the state of practice.

Minimum Skills and Competencies:

The requirements listed below are representative of the knowledge, skill and/or ability required. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.

J.D. (Juris Doctor) Degree from an accredited US law school
Maintain appropriate licensing and educational requirements.
3-5 years of experience in insurance defense on behalf of an insurance carrier in any combination of the following areas: automobile liability, premise liability, liability claims and homeowner/premises,
Experience in all phases of litigation (including trials to verdict) involving complex, high risk and/or high exposure cases.
Possess a strong understanding of insurance law, including the laws and rules governing civil practice in the state of practice.
Ability to analyze legal issues and identify relevant case opinions and facts, as well as the ability to interpret laws, rules, and regulations.
Possess strong analytical and critical thinking skills with the ability to provide concise, practical advice to non-lawyers.
Possess strong verbal and written communication skills with the ability to write motions and legal prose with clear and cogent arguments.
Possess strong organizational and time management skills.
Possess strong skills in attention to detail.
High degree of initiative, mature judgment, discretion, and the ability to handle sensitive matters on a confidential basis.
Possess strong client relationship skills with the ability to resolve conflicts and empathize with insured clients.
Possess strong negotiation skills.
Knowledge of complex medical issues, particularly orthopedic and neurological, with the understanding of etiology, causation, and treatment of injuries consistent with motor vehicle and premises accidents
Proficient in Microsoft Office (Word, Excel, Outlook, PowerPoint)
Proficient in Westlaw software
Solid understanding of the insurance industry and organizational relationships of the company, including the functions of other departments.

Desired Skills:

Experience in Legal Files case management software

Calendar Clerk

Job Description

A calendar clerk at Scahill Law Group, PC, is part of a team of dedicated professional’s that can handle a high-volume calendar. Under general supervision compile, verify and schedule daily calendars for court appearances of attorneys and perform other administrative duties related to the Calendar Department.

Essential Functions

· Experience scheduling Depositions

· Knowledge and understanding of the various court reporting agencies.

· Confirming court calendar, including but not limited to virtual conference, motions.

· Experience using a calendar system, such as a case management system to enter and keep track of all appearances.

· Contact attorneys and/or other parties regarding changes to court dates, including adjournments and cancellations.

· Review calendars to prevent over-booking.

· Interact with court, clients and attorneys on a daily basis.

Skills

· Oral Communication: Ability to communicate effectively with others using the spoken word.

· Organizing, Planning, and Prioritizing Work: The ability to arrange things or actions in a certain order or pattern according to a specific rule or set of rules (e.g., patterns of numbers, letters, words).

· Attention to Detail: Requires being careful about detail and thorough in completing work tasks.

· Time Management: Ability to manage one’s own time and utilize available work time to organize and complete work within given deadlines.

· Adaptability: Ability to adapt to change in the workplace.

· Dependability: Requires being reliable, responsible, dependable, and fulfilling obligations.

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BLOG: EXAMINING THE PLAINTIFF’S SURGEON