Document V3ejJdr5mnb7GZG5ZLrVKjd18

November 12, 1935 Hr. Vincent Beckman 1st National Bank Bldg., Cincinnati, Ohio Dear Mr. Beckmant Pursuant to our conversation of a few days ago I am recording herein my point of view in regard to the case or Gases yet to be brought to trial in Kansas 'City. The merits of any such case, from a medical viewpoint depend upon the actual physical condition of the claimant. If there is a disability which is reasonably and probably explained by disease dissociated from the clinical sequellae of lend in toxication, or which is fully accounted for by some other demonstrable disease process, such as syphilis, tuberculosis etc., then the claim has no merit. If on the other hand there are lesions which may be attri buted to lead intoxication, then the case is likely to be indefensible, since the lead exposure is not, and apparently cannot be denied. From the practical point of view of a jury trial, the actual Illness of the claimant, if readily demonstrable to the jury, is always a difficult hurdle for the defense, since the proof of the incidental character of the illness must be over whelming to be effective. Accordingly I should feel it desirable to have any such claimant gone over care fully by competent and disinterested local medical men, in much the same manner as was done in the last case. In this connection I should say that the doctors who examined the last claimantlwere competent and honest. They also enjoy a good standing in their community, which is a matter of some importance. I was especially pleased with the performance of the pathologist Dr. Helwlg^ and the Internist Dr. Wilkelmy. It might also be well to have some specialist associated with them in such an examination, such as an eye, ear, nos and throat man, if there were lesions of this type, or a neurologist if there were nervous system lesions such as locomotor ataxia, for example. 2 *r.:Vincent Beckman If it is believed that any one of these oases is a good one to go to trial on, I should say that certain reservations should he held until a thorough and disinterested examination had been made* Let me point out that the last case was believed to he a good one until the examination showed otherwise. Very truly yours. R A K :is Robert A, Kehoe, M.D. Kg 0019836