Defensive Everything

Started by docB
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docB

Chronically painful
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We get a lot of static in medicine about defensive medicine. But it's not just medicine.

I bought a very heavy object from a national chain sporting goods store today. I asked if they deliver. The salesman replied that they don't and not only don't they deliver they won't even recommend a delivery service. He noted that they had been sued before when someone got hurt during a delivery so they refuse to be involved.

So I head out to the loading dock to wrestle this thing into my car. I have it almost all the way in but it's 2" too long. I ask the dock worker if he's got some twine. I was told that he did but he can't give it to me because then he could get sued if there was a problem. He suggested I go back in the store and buy some rope because then he couldn't be held responsible. I eventually got him to loan me a tool so I could remove part of the packing and close the door.

I guess we can take solace in knowing that lawyers are not ruining just our industry. It's kind of like the feeling of camaraderie one gets on a sinking ship knowing you're all going down together.
 
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That's the beauty of being a physician. Everyone else can decline a request and blame it on lawsuits whereas we, doctors, don't have that luxury.
 
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