So You Think a Malpractice Suit Is Bad?

Who Is to Blame?

Who is to blame for this situation? Clearly, the people who sit in these offices and make a conscious decision to advance their careers ahead of doing what is right. Perhaps we share some of the blame by electing these individuals. No voter intentionally selects a bad person, but we should do a better job of finding out more about the candidates, their qualifications and beliefs. With voter turnouts for local races frequently below 50%, it also requires greater participation in the electoral process.

In my 34 years as a physician, I never contemplated being in the position of being falsely accused of a crime that would affect my personal freedom. These two cases have caused me to give a lot more thought to that aspect of our legal system. There are those (mostly lawyers, I would guess) who would point out the system worked because both the lacrosse players and Dr. Pou were vindicated. Yes, ultimately they were, but at what price? The financial aspects can be calculated, but the mental anguish is immeasurable and my guess is that it will continue at some level forever in these defendants. Is that justice?

©2007 The Triological Society