Document 1gDmezZ4zp9o3dLYb2ZY73w7E
January 29* 19**0
Hr, C. */. Porter Taylor, Porter and Brooks Louisiana National Bank Building Baton Rouge, La.
Dear Hr, Porters~
Thanksfox^our letter of
January l6th concerning
case, and for
the copies of your letters written to the various
doctors.
You have raised one question which I think is of importance, and you have also mentioned this matter in your letter to Dr, Jones, namely the matter of the use of internes at the Charity Hospital as witnesses in this case. I should not wish to oppose your judgment or that of Dr. Jones. However, 3b is my feeling that it would be inadvisable to have any of the internes as witnesses in this case. Ky reasons are as follows:
1. The diagnosis of lead poisoning was apparently
originally cade by the Interne or internes ana not by
the visiting physicians. Under these circumstances the .
internes will have to reverse their position ana explain
the reason therefor, or else they will have to contend
for their own point of view. The latter would be embar
rassing to the case, and the former would be embarrassing
to them since they would then be an easy mark for a hostile
cross-examination.
,2 They ape likely to be inexperience as expert
witnesses, and as such are likely to do more ham than
good. v.
-
'
3* They will-merely confuse the issue since the visiting doctors at the Charity Hospital will be in position to blame
the internes for the diagnosis, and will thereby be able to explain the record Which is in opposition to their point of view.
Since then these internes will not be able to testify as to matters of fact which will bs of any importance in the case, I do not see where they can be
2 -*
of any value. Their testimony will prolong the case* will.
In all probability, provide opportunity for controversy, and
may very well produce the impression that the doctors them
selves are in oocspleta^iaagreeiaent among themselves as to
the cause of^^MIBiBiBllmlsability. In ray opinion . the, more
p^feOise .and
la the testimony in this eepe*
the more clearly will it point toth^foct that a mistake
in diagnosis was made, and that
not and never
has been suffering from lead poisoning*
I am
With kindest1''personal - regards.,.
Cordially yours.
BAM;is
RoWr li.1' 'k'eiioe ,'' M. >".
- KE 0017133