notice of trial - witness

Nurses General Nursing

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I was just wondering if anyone has been called as a witness against a pt you took care of in a criminal trial? I have - for an alleged drunk driving accident (the DAs office told me). I don't remember this person in the slightest. I called the DA to see what exactly they want me from me(no response yet). Im assuming I took care of this guy. This seems wrong. My job is to take care of people, no matter why they are in the hospital. What do you all thinkof this in general? Will it just be me acknowledging what I charted? I mean, Im no expert!!

Specializes in IMCU/Telemetry.
well my services are not needed! It was infact regarding a BAL blood draw. Told him "nope, don't do that." So he said I won't be called. Man, they need some help reading these charts!

With the way some people write I'm not surprised they need help reading a chart. :rolleyes::D Glad you didn't have to do anything. But it was a learning experience. Without any danger or risk to yourself, you now know how it feels to be in the sights of the legal system. God forbid, if you are ever summoned or served again, you won't be starting from step one. I think this might be one of those good things you wish never happened. :lol2:

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Specializes in Nephrology, Cardiology, ER, ICU.

Just a general warning here - please, please don't post about pending legal matters on the internet. It is admissable in court and what you write HERE can come back to haunt you later.

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Specializes in Case Mgmt, Home Health, Geriatrics.
Thanks for the replies! I did already talk to risk management. Since it is a criminal case against the pt, it is not a hospital issue. It does not involve my nursing care at all - or so they said. I do not work ED, so did not draw BAL. And i was not issued a subpoenae (sp?) just the notice of trial.

I know I can't get legal advise here, I was just wondering opinions on the if it is really my responsibility to get this man convicted!

So I'll see when I talk to the DA. Im hoping when I say I have no idea who this man is, I can convince him it is pointless for me to be a witness. Ha! probably just wishful thinking!

I will say this, make sure you can view your charting, not only is the DA going to question you but the OTHER lawyer as well. I think you should be fine, but definitely look at your charting and maybe even get a know how of your state's legalities regarding the state your patient was in when arriving to the hospital. Good luck and keep us posted ;)

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