Advocacy Center--State of Florida--Press Release [Schiavo Abuse Investigation]

The Advocacy Center ^ | Oct 26, 2003 | staff

[TaxRelief]

Re: Terri Schiavo

Since the initial withdrawal of hydration and nourishment from Terri Schiavo on Wednesday October 15, 2003 The Advocacy Center has received numerous complaints of possible neglect concerning Ms. Schiavo. Additionally we have received reports that there may have been a change in circumstance regarding Ms. Schiavo’s condition since the last full review in State Court.

It is The Advocacy Center’s federal mandate (pursuant to 29 U.S.C. §794(a) (doc 1) and 42 U.S.C.§1504 3(a)(2)(B) as the designated Protection and Advocacy Agency for the State of Florida to investigate complaints of abuse and/or neglect against persons with disabilities.

The Center is presently making demands in order to acquire reports and records necessary to undertake a thorough and impartial investigation of complaints we have received.

In order to preserve the integrity of our investigation during its pendency no further statement will be made to the Press.

[TaxRelief]

Just scroll through pc93's posts for answers and links to any question.

pc93

[Aliska]

Thanks. There is an awful lot there, but I didn't find anything about the specifics of the malpractice suit. Maybe someone can get a copy of the proceedings; they ought to be a matter of public record.

[tuckrdout]

Please will someone tell me on what basis, and WHO did Michael sue for malpractice? What was the argument in his case. Who, in screwed up and a jury agreed with Michael that they did.

I feel that this important fact is left out of all the arguments on both sides. Obviously, some medical personel screwed something up in Terri's care. Who was it? Was it the paramedics? Was it the emergency department? Was it Terri's doctor? WHO WAS SUED, AND ON WHAT BASIS?!

We seem to get every other detail of the case, but this very important one.

[TaxRelief]

They are already quite familiar with the case and have access to the court records. But I am not sure if that works for Terri or against Terri.

[tuckrdout]

I too am getting frusterated by this lack of information. I am begining to feel as if the family does not want this information about the lawsuit out, for some reason. No one ever answers this question! I have written the people on the website, and recieved no answer.

Obviously a jury agreed that some medical personnel were liable for putting Terri in the state she is in.

So, this is important information for those of us who are trying to make a case for Michael's removal as guardian.

He has not done the right thing by Terri, and is a monster for all he has done to the Schindler family. His actions since the accident should be enough to have him removed.

But all this talk about his perhaps trying to choke her the night of the collapse, or his perhaps giving her Potassium...needs to be backed up by the facts of the malpractice suit.

The testimony in the lawsuit needs to be made public.

[TaxRelief]

Michael Schiavo sued the doctors who did not diagnose the potassium imbalance, and the money from the suit was supposed to pay for Terri's lifelong treatment and care. Only about $140,000 would remain after Michael Schiavo pays his lawyers, according to court documents.

Separately, Michael Schiavo received about $300,000 from the malpractice award.

He denies he's motivated by money and says he simply wants to carry out his wife's wishes.

Associated Press, Dec. 26, 2002

[Aliska]

The testimony in the lawsuit needs to be made public.

Unless the court ordered it sealed, it should be a matter of public record. It is filed somewhere and should be available to the public.

In order to make informed opinions, one needs to look at everything.

I'm playing devil's advocate. A possible motive for filing a malpractice suit could be money AND a desire to deflect attention from where blame ought to go for physical damage/injuries. Or one might assume that anyone who wanted to hide criminal behavior would be reluctant to press anything in court.

I'm having a real time trying to imagine where there was malpractice on the part of doctors here. Who got sued for malpractice and for what and why? It could be important and if it goes against the Schindlers, that is too bad, but truth trumps all imo.

[TaxRelief]

Still researching.

Stewart, Tilghman Fox and Bianchi, PA

Schiavo v. Dr. Igel, Sixth Judicial Circuit, Clearwater, Florida.

$6,880,000 verdict, reduced by 70% comparative negligence, against a doctor who failed to diagnose an eating disorder which caused serious injury to plaintiff.

[TaxRelief]

Agreed, nothing should be kept secret.

[tuckrdout]

You are good! Okay, what does the good Doctor have to say about this case now? Has the family contacted Dr. Igel?

I would love to know how Schiavo won this. What his argument was. What proof could he possibly have that Terri had an undiagnosed eating disorder that caused a potassium imbalance? How did he convince a jury?

[Aliska]

Found this on Terri's website. Paucity of details but names the doctor:

Disclaimer: This might not be true for all I know.

"In November 1992, in the trial of a medical malpractice action brought on Terri's behalf and styled Barnett Bank Trust Company v. C. Stephen Igel MD, Pinellas County Circuit Case No. 92-939-15, Defendant Schiavo testified that he intended to care for his wife as long as she lived, that he intended to adhere to his wedding vows, that he felt "wonderful" about being married to Terri, and that he intended to learn more about nursing so he could care for his wife for the rest of his life."

Would it be possible for a Florida freeper to see if they can get a full court record of this case if it has not been sealed for some reason?

[TaxRelief]

Some info about Larry Stewart, one of the Ambulance Chasers in Schiavo V. Dr. Igel, Nov. 1992.

In the days following the terrorists' attacks of September 11th, Larry Stewart was selected to lead a national effort to create the largest pro bono program in history to deliver free legal services to thousands of victims and victims’ families. Since October 2001, Larry Stewart has served as President of Trial Lawyers Care and has guided its efforts.

Trial Lawyers Care recruits volunteer attorneys from throughout the nation and matches them to September 11th victims. It provides extensive training, education and support for the volunteer attorneys. There are already over 1200 clients being represented by Trial Lawyer Care attorneys and it is projected that the number of clients will exceed 2000. As part of his efforts on behalf of Trial Lawyers Care, Larry Stewart has appeared on national T.V. in such programs as Crossfire, Nightline, Hardball and Don Immus as well as being interviewed in many national and local newspapers. Trial Lawyers Care has received numerous awards and national recognition for this groundbreaking program. Larry Stewart has been recognized for his work with Trial Lawyers Care by the The Florida Bar’s 2002 G. Kirk Hass Humanitarian Award. For more information about Trial Lawyers Care, contact www.911lawhelp.org or call the toll free number 1-888-780-8637.

In addition to his work as President of Trial Lawyers Care, Larry Stewart is also individually representing three victim families. These families, like other September 11th victims, have suffered indescribable loss and grief. While nothing can replace the loss of loved ones, through his efforts, these families will have the resources to begin to rebuild their lives. His work is entirely without charge to the families.

For more information about our efforts for these families or to request assistance please Contact Us.

Hmm...I believe they call this a "loss leader" in marketing.

[Aliska]

See #31 on this thread.

[Aliska]

Sorry I didn't read the rest of the posts. You already found the doctor and partial details.

[TaxRelief]

At this point someone (not me) needs to spring for the $9 to get this info from Lexis-Nexis. Just put in the docket number.

http://web.lexis.com/xchange/Forms/uas/StateMaterials.asp?_src=CL

[Aliska]

Dr. Igel is currently in practice and has a website here

The link may or may not work. I can pull it up, but I got an intercept/encryption error when I tried to test my post.

[Aliska]

I would be willing to spring the $9 but don't want to put in my credit card and won't.

[TaxRelief]

This post that was moved to religion is also concerned with the Larry King live event. http://www.freerepublic.com/focus/f-religion/1008396/posts

[tuckrdout]

I certainly agree. The whole truth needs to be presented, worts and all, to form an opinion.

The family obviously had no idea of Michael's true nature, but found out a lot about him, since he lived with them for 2 years after the collapse. (Gosh, he is a gratful fellow, isn't he? >sarcasm<) I am sure the family could not imagine him hurting her, and were trying to make sense of this "collapse"...I am sure they too grabbed on to this explaination, of a "potassium imbalance"...

It would help to know who first brought up this diagnosis? Who first mentioned it? Did it come from the mind of MS? Or did some other doctor diagnose it? What doctor testifiyed at the trial? The medical records had to be a part of the trial. They would be important to read now, and should be a part of any decision by any court.

I wonder where the jurors are from this suit? Can't they be contacted by the media and hear what they think about MS trying to have the wife killed, now, after he convinced them that he only wanted money to take care of her for 50 years?!

[TaxRelief]

Lexis Nexis is absolutely one of the most secure sites on the net. You can set up an account by phone. Just go to the home page.