Need tips...meeting attorney re: pt liabilty case

[bethin]

I'm a friggin' mess right now. Just got a call from HR requesting my presence next week to meet with an attorney. When I inquired further I was told a pt (or family) is suing the hospital and I'm being asked to appear. I asked if I was meeting the hospital's attorney, pt's attorney or both. HR said they couldn't say. I'm not dumb, they're calling me in because either I worked that day or more likely my name is on the chart. What if I inadvertantly charted wrong? What if I charted on the wrong pt? OMG, I'll never work again!

I'm not intimidated my lawyers. I'm rarely intimidated by anyone. What do I say? What don't I say - without lying? I've racked my brain thinking who could possibly be suing but cannot think of anyone. I conduct myself in a professional manner (been told too professional at times) and I chart every little thing, go to the nurse for every pt complaint. I chart every 2 hours when I do rounds that pt is turned, call light within reach, rails up, etc. I've had no complaints against me.

There are a shortage of aides and it makes it extremely difficult to provide excellent care but I do the best that I can. I explain to the pt or family members that their bath may be done after lunch and no complaints there. No experience with hostile pt or family members.

Ok, so how do I conduct myself during this inquisition?

[chewchabuckala]

Take a deep breath! You would know if you killed someone, if someone on your watch fell, and if staffing is a problem......not your fault.

Best thing I would suggest is not going into any meeting without knowing why they want you their. Secondly, your not in court or under any oath so if you do go, don't say anything. Yes and no is about as much as you should say.....if that.

Is the lawyer from the facility or patient? Is your request in the form of a supena or was it verbal?

You know how to document, so when your at home start documenting dates, who told you to appear, etc.

If they didn't request your appearance in writing, nothing says you have to cancell that appointment you made months ago........your just to busy.....right?

You probubly have Liability Insurance, if you do, call your carrier, or just don't show up with the reason that you are waiting for a return call from your attorney, and ask them to put their request in writing.

Did I help? You have to pretty much do some sort of harm to the patient before your liable for anything. Like you need more stress, right? It'll be fine. Just do your homework, if need be, and let the legal stiffs do theirs! Sweet dreams.

Chewchie (shortened version!)

[bethin]

I went in for the official deposition and was told by the hospital's attorney to go home, she didn't want to use me. I reminded her that I had spoken to the dr and she said "I know, I don't want to use you."

I know that this attorney reduced a coworker to tears and the coworker said she's out to get her so I told her to get her own attorney.

[loricatus]

I went in for the official deposition and was told by the hospital's attorney to go home, she didn't want to use me. I reminded her that I had spoken to the dr and she said "I know, I don't want to use you."

I know that this attorney reduced a coworker to tears and the coworker said she's out to get her so I told her to get her own attorney.

Don't be surprised if you here from the plaintiff's attorney in the very near future. Unless, of course, the hospital hides you from the discovery process. Sounds like what you have to testify to would hurt the hospital and bolster the plaintiff's case. Looks like you handled this very well. You held to your principles and did the right thing. Wish more would be like you.

[bethin]

Don't be surprised if you here from the plaintiff's attorney in the very near future. Unless, of course, the hospital hides you from the discovery process. Sounds like what you have to testify to would hurt the hospital and bolster the plaintiff's case. Looks like you handled this very well. You held to your principles and did the right thing. Wish more would be like you.

Thank you. I think that the hospital's attorney did hide me during the discovery process. I spoke my piece and I spoke the truth. If she doesn't want to use me that's her decision.

I would gladly go to bat for the plaintiff if I'm asked. Something did go wrong.