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DAUGHERTY & ASSOCIATES, LLC 765-215-7965 / 4319 W Clara Lane, No 232 Muncie Indiana 47304 [email protected] / www.daugherty-legalnurse.com August 19, 2008 Mr. RA A Law Firm 111 East Ohio Street, Anywhere, Indiana 46204 Dear Mr. A, Thank you for giving me the opportunity to review the file of DD. As you are aware, Mr. DD is an unfortunate young man who was involved in a motor vehicle ac- cident on 7/28/06. The resulting injuries that Mr. DD have sustained were significant for such a young man and, unfortunately will be something that he will have to treat for the rest of his life. Mr. DD presented to the emergency department following the motor vehicle accident, first making sure that his daughter was cared for. He then sought treatment for himself. He had initial complaints of low back pain. He was released to home with instructions to follow up with his primary care physician, if needed. A lumbosac- ral spinal x-ray was completed in the emergency room with negative results. He did follow up with his PCP 5 days later due to continued complaints of low back pain and limited range of motion to lower extremities. Mr. DD continued to seek treatment from Dr. W, his PCP, for several weeks following the MVA, with conservative treatment. He was eventually referred for an MRI on 9/27/06, approximately 9 weeks after the MVA. The MRI on 9/27/06 revealed “L-4/L-5 left paracentral subarticular disc protru- sion, causing mild left neural foraminal stenosis. This is also known as a disc herniation, which has caused narrowing and compression on the foramina (the canal that pro- tects the spinal cord). Dr. W referred Mr. DD to Dr L at the Orthopedic Surgery Center. Dr. L discussed all options and agreed on Lumbar Epidural Steroid injections and physical therapy treatments. Mr. DD eventually had 3 epidural steroid injections over the course of the next six weeks. Other conservative treatments that were attempted included a back brace, continued physical therapy, pain medication management. All were ineffective in managing the pain, spasms and discomfort that plagued Mr. DD on a constant basis. Signs and symptoms that Mr. DD reported to his physicians included, pain shooting down the back of his left leg to his foot, in addition to the leg continuously

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Page 1: DAUGHERTY & ASSOCIATES, LLC - daugherty-legalnursedaugherty-legalnurse.com/uploads/Sample_PI-I.pdf · DAUGHERTY & ASSOCIATES, LLC 765-215-7965 / 4319 W Clara Lane, No 232 Muncie Indiana

DAUGHERTY & ASSOCIATES, LLC

765-215-7965 / 4319 W Clara Lane, No 232 Muncie Indiana 47304

[email protected] / www.daugherty-legalnurse.com

August 19, 2008 Mr. RA A Law Firm 111 East Ohio Street, Anywhere, Indiana 46204 Dear Mr. A, Thank you for giving me the opportunity to review the file of DD. As you are aware, Mr. DD is an unfortunate young man who was involved in a motor vehicle ac-cident on 7/28/06. The resulting injuries that Mr. DD have sustained were significant for such a young man and, unfortunately will be something that he will have to treat for the rest of his life. Mr. DD presented to the emergency department following the motor vehicle accident, first making sure that his daughter was cared for. He then sought treatment for himself. He had initial complaints of low back pain. He was released to home with instructions to follow up with his primary care physician, if needed. A lumbosac-ral spinal x-ray was completed in the emergency room with negative results. He did follow up with his PCP 5 days later due to continued complaints of low back pain and limited range of motion to lower extremities. Mr. DD continued to seek treatment from Dr. W, his PCP, for several weeks following the MVA, with conservative treatment. He was eventually referred for an MRI on 9/27/06, approximately 9 weeks after the MVA. The MRI on 9/27/06 revealed “L-4/L-5 left paracentral subarticular disc protru-sion, causing mild left neural foraminal stenosis. This is also known as a disc herniation, which has caused narrowing and compression on the foramina (the canal that pro-tects the spinal cord). Dr. W referred Mr. DD to Dr L at the Orthopedic Surgery Center. Dr. L discussed all options and agreed on Lumbar Epidural Steroid injections and physical therapy treatments. Mr. DD eventually had 3 epidural steroid injections over the course of the next six weeks. Other conservative treatments that were attempted included a back brace, continued physical therapy, pain medication management. All were ineffective in managing the pain, spasms and discomfort that plagued Mr. DD on a constant basis. Signs and symptoms that Mr. DD reported to his physicians included, pain shooting down the back of his left leg to his foot, in addition to the leg continuously

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2

falling asLp. Another MRI was performed on 1/30/07, which indicates a disc protrusion and bulge at L4—L5 that is coming in contact with the L4—L5 nerves. Mr. DD continued with physical therapy treatments and physician office visits. At one time he did seek a second medical opinion due to not making any progress. On 4/6/06 he received a left L5 selective nerve root injection (block) under fluoro-scopic guidance. This nerve block only helped for one day, and Mr. DD again sought additional treatment to rectify his problems. Additional MRI was obtained on 8/22/07 which showed continued bulging disc with desiccation that was abutting the left L4 nerve root. On 9/12/07, surgical options were discussed with Mr. DD by Dr. C. He also rec-ommended one more nerve block, which was completed on 10/1/07, with no lasting results. On 11/7/07, surgical decompression and fusion between L-4—L-5 was com-pleted by Dr. C. This surgery involved complex placement of surgical pedicle screws, placement of interbody spacer, and a bone graft. Following surgery, Mr. DD re-mained in the hospital for several days, and was discharged home with home health care and a walker to ambulate. He was also discharged home with orders for physi-cal therapy. He received 8 PT treatments over the course of 11/27/07 to 12/20/07. Dr. C has indicated in his affidavit, that Mr. DD did receive his injuries as a result of the motor vehicle accident that took place on 7/28/06. In conclusion, after reviewing the medical records provided to me, it is also my opinion that Mr. DD did not have any prior back or leg injury and that the multiple back injuries and subsequent treatments that he has had to endure are as a direct result of the MVA. Mr. DD has been given a PPI Rating of 23% of the Whole Person as a direct result of this MVA. With the multitude and complexity of the injuries sus-tained, he will have permanent and chronic back and leg nerve pain that will require lifelong treatments. This may include additional surgeries, physical therapy, and on-going medication management. Sincerely, Shirley A Daugherty, RN Shirley A Daugherty, RN, RAC-CT, LCP, CLNC Certified Legal Nurse Consultant and Life Care Planner

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CHRONOLOGY Date & Time Location/Provider Event Intervention/Plan ??/??/1996 Occupational Health

Center Right Shoulder Surgery

??/??/2001 Occupational Health Center

Left Eye Corneal Abrasion

??/??/2002 Occupational Health Center

Concussion

??/??/2002 Occupational Health Center

Neck Strain

Sat 05/04/2002

Family Physicians Immediate Care Visit - Injured toe

Thu 06/13/2002

Family Physicians Office Visit

Mon 12/16/2002

Family Physicians Office Visit for bronchitis

??/??/2003 Occupational Health Center

Right Wrist/Forearm Contusion

??/??/2003 Occupational Health Center

Surgery - Right Carpal Tunnel Release

Tue 01/21/2003

Family Physicians Office Visit for Stomach Flu

Fri 02/13/2004

Family Physicians Office Visit - Routine physical for adoption

Fri 03/19/2004

Family Physicians Office Visit - Medical forms completed for child adoption

Fri 08/13/2004

Family Physicians Office Visit to complete medical certificate for adoption

Tue 11/09/2004

Family Physicians Office Visit to complete medical certificate for adoption

??/??/2005 Occupational Health Center

Left ankle sprain

Thu 02/03/2005

Family Physicians Office Visit for sinus infection

??/??/2006 Occupational Health Center

Left Ankle / Foot Sprain

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Wed 03/01/2006

Family Physicians Office Visit for cold and flu symptoms

Fri 07/28/2006

Metro Ambulance; St Luke Hospital; Radiology Associates

Ambulance ride with daughter following MVA to St Luke Hospital - Driver of vehicle that was hit on the passenger side; the car was spun around, seat belt on - Upon arrival in the emergency room DD's complaints consisted of low back pain (score of 6-7 out of 10) that was gradually worsening, especially with any movement. Of significance, he was already exhibiting an "antalgic gait", was "tender to palpation at L5", and presented with "tingling to his legs." - X-ray completed - Lumbosacral spine three views

1. Prescribed Lortab 2. Follow up with his family doctor with persistent and relentless symptoms since the crash.

Tue 08/01/2006

Family Physicians Dr W

Office Visit with Dr W - c/o persistent lower back pain that radiated down his left leg with tingling and weakness; denies numbness or bowel and bladder dysfunction. - mild tenderness over the lumbar spin with limited range of motion and a positive straight leg raising test - Assessment: Low back pain likely lumbosacral strain

1. Over the counter Ibuprofen 2. Lortab for more severe pain 3. Off work for one week 4. Follow up if he still has pain shooting down his leg or develops any weakness or numbness as this may be a herniated disc

Tue 08/08/2006

Family Physicians; Dr W Office Visit with Dr W - continued complaint of pain in bottom, both legs; left leg gives out; right leg tingling - shooting pain down his left leg, tingling in both legs, weakness in his left leg and problems with his leg giving out on him; tightness in left lower back - Examination - left lumbar muscles - some spasm. Straight leg raise is positive on left. Sensation - decreased to light touch over the lateral aspect of the left lower leg. - Assessment: "low back pain, possible left Radiculopathy"

1. Hold off on obtaining MRI 2. If still having symptoms in 1 week, may consider MRI. 3. Continue OTC Ibuprofen and Lortab for severe pain 4. Start Skelaxin for muscle spasms 5. Continue stretches 6. Off work for another week

Tue 08/15/2006

Family Physicians; Dr W Office Visit with Dr W - c/o still had pain shooting down his left leg and numbness in his left lower leg; back has full range of motion; tenderness over the left sciatic notch. Straight leg raise is positive on the left. Sensation is decreased to light touch over left lower leg and outer left foot. - Assessment: Low back pain, probably radiculopathy

1. Return to work 2. Follow up with recurrence of weakness or increased tingling

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Mon 08/21/2006

Family Physicians; Dr W Office Visit with Dr W - routine DOT physical for a Commercial Driver's License for his employer - Under Health History - Patient is to check yes/no to questions: 1. Any illness or injury in last 5 years - NO 2. Spinal injury or disease - NO 3. Chronic low back pain - left blank

Tue 09/19/2006

Family Physicians; Dr W Office Visit with Dr W - c/o continuing and relentless increased low back pain and some radiation of pain into his left leg with numbness - back has no lumbar spine tenderness; range of motion is limited; continued decreased sensation to left lower extremity - DD asked for help in completing the FMLA forms documenting his injury and allowing him to take intermittent time off for low back pain when needed - Assessment: Low Back pain with radiculopathy/Sciatica

MRI Lumbar spine

Wed 09/27/2006

Radiology Partners; Memorial Hospital

MRI IMPRESSION: L4-L5 left subarticular paracentral disc protrusion causing mild left neural foraminal stenosis.

Tue 10/03/2006

Family Physicians; Dr W Office Visit with Dr W - Follow up on MRI - c/o back still hurting; radiation of pain in left leg with numbness; back without tenderness - Assessment: L4 L5 radiculopathy

Refer to Dr. L for epidural injections

Thu 10/12/2006

Orthopedic Surgery Center (Pain Mgt. Ctr.); Dr. L

Office visit with Dr. L - reported symptoms of throbbing pain in the left lower back with spasms. He described the pain as aching, numbing, sharp, shooting, tingling and traveling from the left gluteal, hamstring and calf to the bottom of his foot. He described frequent cramping and spasm of the low back muscles. The doctor observed that DD "ambulates favoring the left side." - Low back and left leg pain with disk protrusion and left greater than right radicular symptoms

1. Lumbar epidural steroid injection 2. Follow up after injection 3. Trial a traction lock brace 4. Physical Therapy

Mon 10/16/2006

Orthopedic Surgery Center (Pain Mgt. Ctr.); Dr. L

Office Visit - Lumbar Epidural steroid injection

Follow up in two weeks

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Mon 10/23/2006

Orthopedic Surgery Center (Pain Mgt. Ctr.); Dr. L

Surgery Center - Second Lumbar Epidural steroid injection due to no benefit from the first

Refer to Physical Therapy

Tue 10/24/2006

Orthopedic Surgery Center (Pain Mgt. Ctr.); Dr. L;

Physical Therapy Evaluation - due to constant symptoms - worse with bending, sitting and walking

1. Limit activities 2. Treatments 2-4 x week for 4-6 weeks

Tue 10/24/2006 - Tue 11/21/2006

Orthopedic Surgery Center (Pain Mgt. Ctr.)

Physical therapy - x 5 visits

Tue 10/31/2006

Orthopedic Surgery Center (Pain Mgt. Ctr.); Dr. L;

Office Visit - Ortho Device given (Brace) so he can continue working

Tue 10/31/2006

Orthopedic Surgery Center (Pain Mgt. Ctr.);

Office Visit

Tue 11/07/2006

Orthopedic Surgery Center (Pain Mgt. Ctr.); Dr. L; Dr. C

Office Visit

Tue 11/14/2006

Orthopedic Surgery Center (Pain Mgt. Ctr.); Dr. L; Dr. C

Office Visit

Tue 11/21/2006

Orthopedic Surgery Center (Pain Mgt. Ctr.);

Office Visit

Mon 11/27/2006

Orthopedic Surgery Center (Pain Mgt. Ctr.); Dr. L;

Office Visit - His left leg continued to fall asleep easily and had pain shooting down from the posterior leg to the bottom of the foot.

Dr. L gave DD another epidural injection so that he could have some relief of his symptoms.

Mon 11/27/2006

Orthopedic Surgery Center (Pain Mgt. Ctr.)

Office Visit - Lumbar Epidural steroid injection

Tue 12/19/2006

Orthopedic Surgery Center (Pain Mgt. Ctr.)

Office Visit

Tue 12/19/2006

Orthopedic Surgery Center (Pain Mgt. Ctr.)

Physical Therapy treatment

Tue 01/30/2007

Orthopedic Surgery Center (Pain Mgt. Ctr.); Dr. L; Dr. C

Office Visit

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Tue 01/30/2007

Radiology Partners MRI Clinical Indication - Low back pain with left leg pain "the disc material is in close proximity to the L5 nerves…appears to come in contact with the left L4 nerve. 1. Left foraminal disc protrusion at the L4-L5 level, coming in contact with the left L4 nerve. 2. Diffuse disc bulge at the L4-L5 level, narrowing the lateral recesses and coming in close proximity to both L5 nerves.

Tue 01/30/2007

Orthopedic Surgery Center (Pain Mgt. Ctr.)

Physical Therapy Treatment

Thu 02/01/2007

Orthopedic Surgery Center (Pain Mgt. Ctr.)

Office visit

Mon 02/05/2007

Orthopedic Surgery Center (Pain Mgt. Ctr.); Dr. C

Office Visit with Dr. C The injections had failed to provide him with lasting relief of his low back symptoms Assessment: "Clinical left S1 sciatica without spinal compression."

1. continue physical therapy, home exercises 2. DD decided he wanted a second opinion

Thu 02/15/2007

Orthopedic Surgery Center (Pain Mgt. Ctr.)

Office Visit

Tue 03/20/2007

Neurosurgeon Group ; Dr. H

Office Visit "Examination of the back shows the lumbosacral tenderness and tenderness off to the left of the spine…fairly good range of motion but with more pain on extension than on flexion and rotation is painful for him…antalgic gait on the left side…Sensory examination shows some hypalgesia in the anterior lateral aspect of the left leg.

DD might benefit by a nerve root block at L5.

Thu 03/22/2007

Neurosurgeon Group Office Visit

Fri 04/06/2007

Neurosurgeon Group ; Dr. DW

Office visit - Received a left L5 selective nerve root injection under fluoroscopic guidance

Wed 06/20/2007

Neurosurgeon Group ; Dr. NL

Office Visit Reported that the nerve root block had only helped him for about one day. DD acknowledged that he has a fairly physical job, sometimes up to 16 hours a day. His low back symptoms were not improving at all. Dr. NL diagnosed DD with "1) Left sacroiliac dysfunction 2) Impaired sleep. 3) Low back and radicular pain."

recommended a different type of physical therapy and home exercises and told him that the type of work he was doing could affect the speed of his recovery

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Wed 08/22/2007

Orthopedic Surgery Center (Pain Mgt. Ctr.);

Physical Therapy treatment

Wed 08/22/2007

St Luke Hospital; Radiology Partners

MRI IMPRESSION: L4-L5 disc bulge asymmetric to the left abutting the exiting left L4 nerve root stable in appearance in comparison with prior MRI

Wed 09/12/2007

Orthopedic Surgery Center (Pain Mgt. Ctr.); Dr. C

Office Visit with Dr. C - surgical options were discussed

recommended one more injection.

Wed 09/19/2007

Orthopedic Surgery Center (Pain Mgt. Ctr.)

Physical Therapy treatment

Mon 10/01/2007

Orthopedic Surgery Center (Pain Mgt. Ctr.); St Luke Hospital; Dr. L

Office Visit with Dr. L - Selective Nerve Root block - no lasting relief noted

Wed 10/10/2007

Orthopedic Surgery Center (Pain Mgt. Ctr.)

Physical Therapy treatment

Tue 11/06/2007

Radiology Associates Pre-Op Chest X-Ray IMPRESSION: Strandy parenchymal opacities within the lingula, likely representing atelectasis

Wed 11/07/2007

Dr. C; Orthopedic Surgery Center (Pain Mgt. Ctr.)

Surgery - PREOPERATIVE and POSTOPERATIVE DIAGNOSIS: Degenerative lumbar disc disease; left L4-5; subforaminal herniation with L4 left radiculopathy and foraminal stenosis secondary to facet hypertrophy PROCEDURE PERFORMED: Transforaminal lumbar interbody fusion L4-5, non segmental instrumentation L4-5 with pedicle screws, placement of interbody spacer L4-5, PEEK cage with BMP, posterolateral fusion with BMP and local autogenous bone graft from left facetectomy; surgical decompression

provided with a walker to ambulate

Wed 11/07/2007 to Mon 11/12/2007

Community Hospital; Orthopedic Surgery Center (Pain Mgt. Ctr.)

Hospital stay following surgery - DD had difficulty with nausea for several days post-op. He was discharged in stable condition to home - WBC was elevated post-op - He required IV pain medication

1. Follow-up in 1 week 2. Keep incision clean and dry

Fri 11/09/2007

Services Home Health Service

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Wed 11/14/2007

Orthopedic Surgery Center (Pain Mgt. Ctr.)

Office Visit

Wed 11/21/2007

Orthopedic Surgery Center (Pain Mgt. Ctr.)

Office Visit

Tue 11/27/2007

St Luke Hospital Physical Therapy Treatment

Thu 11/29/2007

St Luke Hospital Physical Therapy Treatment

Tue 12/04/2007

St Luke Hospital Physical Therapy Treatment

Thu 12/06/2007

St Luke Hospital Physical Therapy Treatment

Tue 12/11/2007

St Luke Hospital Physical Therapy Treatment

Thu 12/13/2007

St Luke Hospital Physical Therapy Treatment

Tue 12/18/2007

St Luke Hospital Physical Therapy Treatment

Thu 12/20/2007

St Luke Hospital Physical Therapy Treatment

Thu 12/20/2007

Orthopedic Surgery Center (Pain Mgt. Ctr.)

Office Visit

Tue 04/08/2008

Orthopedic Surgery Center (Pain Mgt. Ctr.); Dr. C;

Given PPI rating

Thu 04/24/2008

Dr. C PPI rating

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MEDICATIONS Prescription or Order Date

Medication Name

Order Provider Name

Fri 07/28/2006 Lortab 5/5/00 mg tab

Dispense 15; 1-2 tabs by mouth every 4 hours as needed for pain

St Luke Hospital

Tue 08/01/2006 Ibuprofen OTC as needed for pain Dr W; Family Physicians Tue 08/01/2006 Lortab 5/500 tab Dispense 30; Take 1 - 2 tablets

every 7 hours as needed for pain Dr W; Family Physicians

Tue 08/08/2006 Skelexan 800mg Dispense 30; Take 1 tablet three times daily

Dr W; Family Physicians

Mon 10/16/2006 Lumbar Epidural steroid injection

1 x only Orthopedic Surgery Center (Pain Mgt. Center); Dr. L

Mon 10/23/2006 Lumbar Epidural steroid injection

1 x only Orthopedic Surgery Center (Pain Mgt. Center); Dr. L

Mon 11/27/2006 Lumbar Epidural steroid injection

1 x only Orthopedic Surgery Center (Pain Mgt. Center); L

Fri 04/06/2007 selective nerve root block

1 x only Orthopedic Surgery Center (Pain Mgt. Center); Dr. C

Mon 10/01/2007 selective nerve root block

1 x only Orthopedic Surgery Center (Pain Mgt. Center); Dr. L

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DIAGNOSIS Date first noted

Injury/Symptoms After Accident Provider Name

09/28/2006 Left Sacroiliac Dysfunction Dr. C 09/28/2006 Diffuse Disc Bulge Abutting the Left L4 Nerve Root Dr. C 09/28/2006 Disc Desiccation at L4-L5 Dr. C 09/28/2006 Permanent Sensory Nerve Damage from L4-L5 Injury/Surgery in the

form of Numbness in Left Lower Leg Dr. C

09/28/2006 Significant Post-Traumatic Paracentral Disc Herniation at L4-L5 with Left Neural Foraminal Stenosis causing Disruption to Quality of Life & an Inability to Function as a Whole Person to present day

Dr. C

Tue 10/03/2006

L4 - L5 left disc protrusion Dr W

Tue 10/03/2006

paracentral disc herniation at L-4/L-5 with left neural foraminal stenosis

Dr. C

Wed 11/07/2007

Surgical Decompression and Spinal Fusion at L4-L5 with Surgical Implantation and Placement of Permanent Hardware (see attached visual x-rays) WITH "Loss of Motion" and "Residual Numbness"

Dr. C

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TEST RESULTS Date of Test

Type of Test Results Location

Fri 07/28/2006

X-ray - Lumbosacral spine three views

No fracture or dislocation is seen. The disc spaces are preserved. The adjacent soft tissues are within normal limits IMPRESSION: Negative lumbosacral spine

St Luke Hospital; Radiology Associates

Thu 09/28/2006

MRI - Lumbar Spine

FINDINGS: The lumbar spine is normal in position and alignment. Bone marrow signal is unremarkable. The conus medullaris is clearly visualized and terminates at a normal level without intrinsic or extrinsic lesion. there is desiccation of the L4 - L5 disc with loss of height. L1-L2; L2-L3; L3-L4; L5-S1: No significant central canal stenosis, facet hypertrophy, disc bulge or neural foraminal stenosis L4-L5: There is a left paracentral subarticular disc protrusion. This causes mild left neural foraminal stenosis. there is development of lateral osteophytes in the area of the disc protrusion. There is also bilateral facet hypertrophy. No significant central canal stenosis. IMPRESSION: L4-L5 left subarticular paracentral disc protrusion causing mild left neural foraminal stenosis.

Memorial Hospital

Tue 01/30/2007

MRI - Lumbar spine without IV contrast

FINDINGS: 1. The alignment of the lumbar vertebrae is well maintained. Bone marrow signal is within normal limits. Vertebral body heights are well maintained. There is disc desiccation at the L4-L5 level. Conus medullaris terminates at the L1 level and shows normal signal 2. At the L2-L3 and L3-L4 levels - no abnormality.

Radiology Partners

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3. At the L4-L5 level, there is a diffuse disc bulge associated mild hypertrophic facet chains bilaterally. Central canal does not appear frankly stenotic. However, the disc material does in close proximity to the L5 nerves in both lateral recesses. There is a small left foraminal disc protrusion, which appears to come in contact with the left L4 nerve. There is mild to moderate right neural foraminal narrowing. 4. At the L5-S1 level, there is a mild diffuse disc bulge. No significant central canal or foraminal compromise. IMPRESSION: 1. Left foraminal disc protrusion at the L4-L5 level, coming in contact with the left L4 nerve. 2. Diffuse disc bulge at the L4-L5 level, narrowing the lateral recesses and coming in close proximity to both L5 nerves.

Wed 08/22/2007

MRI - Lumbar Spine without Contrast

FINDINGS: 1. Vertebral body heights and inter vertebral disc spaces are maintained. There is disc desiccation at L4-L5. The lumbar spine appears anatomic alignment. bone marrow signal is homogenous. The conus ends appropriately at L1. Normal signal is demonstrated within the distal spinal cord. 2. L1-L2; L2-L3; L3-L4 - No significant neuroforaminal or spinal canal compromise is demonstrated 3. L4-L5 - There is a diffuse disc bulge which effaces the ventral epidural fat and mildly flattens the thecal sac. The disc bulge lateralizes to the left neuroforamen and abuts the exiting left L4 nerve root. No significant spinal canal

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stenosis is demonstrated. There is mild degenerative facet and ligamentum flavum hypertrophy. There is moderate left and mild right neuroforaminal stenosis stable in appearance compared to prior studies. 4. L5-S1 - There is a diffuse disc bulge which does not result in spinal canal compromise. The neuroforamina appear adequate. IMPRESSION: L4-L5 disc bulge asymmetric to the left abutting the exiting left L4 nerve root stable in appearance in comparison with prior MRI

Tue 11/06/2007

X-Ray - Chest Two view

IMPRESSION: Strandy parenchymal opacities within the lingula, likely representing atelectasis

Community Hospital

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TREATMENTS WITH DESCRIPTIONS Date Treatment Description Wed 11/07/2007

Transforaminal lumbar interbody fusion L4-5, non segmental instrumentation L4-5 with pedicle screws, placement of interbody spacer L4-5, PEEK cage with BMP, posterolateral fusion with BMP and local autogenous bone graft from left facetectomy; surgical decompression

See Below

Wed 11/07/2007

Pedicle Screw Fixation placing screws within the pedicles of each vertebral segment (bilaterally-on both sides of the spine) and connecting them to each other with a metal rod. A one level fusion would fuse two vertebrae and usually uses four screws and two rods.

Wed 11/07/2007

Interbody Spine Fusion the bone graft is placed in between the vertebral bodies where the disc usually lies. The disc has to be completely removed and endplates cleaned prior to placement of the graft. This will allow the fusion to occur from one vertebral body to the other through their endplates

Wed 11/07/2007

local autogenous bone graft from left facetectomy

Bone grafts are commonly placed within cages that hold the graft and resist the compressive forces of the vertebrae.

Wed 11/07/2007

Decompression surgical procedure that is performed to alleviate pain caused by pinched nerves (neural impingement). In this type of back surgery, a small portion of the bone over the nerve root and/or disc material from under the nerve root is removed to give the nerve root more space and provide a better healing environment.

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Personal Injury Sample Report

Shirley Daugherty, RN, RAC-CT, LCP, CLNC

Daugherty & Associates, LLC

Tuesday, August 19, 2008

Timeline Details:

Date of First Fact: ?? ??, 1996

Date of Last Fact: Nov 7, 2007

1

Page 17: DAUGHERTY & ASSOCIATES, LLC - daugherty-legalnursedaugherty-legalnurse.com/uploads/Sample_PI-I.pdf · DAUGHERTY & ASSOCIATES, LLC 765-215-7965 / 4319 W Clara Lane, No 232 Muncie Indiana

Tuesday, August 19, 2008

Dear Mr. Attorney,

Attached you will find a timeline of the chronological events regarding the DD personal injury case. Please review

the timeline and make recommendations if needed.

I have started this timeline with the reported right shoulder surgery in 1996. I have concluded the timeline with

lumbar surgery on November 7, 2007.

This timeline of events is a brief synopsis with highlighted events of the chronology that I have also provided.

Thank you for allowing me the opportunity to provide you with this work product. Please feel free to contact me

at any time for further instructions.

Sincerely,

Shirley Daugherty, RN

Shirley A Daugherty, RN, RAC-CT, LCP, CLNC

Certified Legal Nurse Consultant

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Page 18: DAUGHERTY & ASSOCIATES, LLC - daugherty-legalnursedaugherty-legalnurse.com/uploads/Sample_PI-I.pdf · DAUGHERTY & ASSOCIATES, LLC 765-215-7965 / 4319 W Clara Lane, No 232 Muncie Indiana

Jan 1996 Feb 1996 Jan 2002 Feb 2002 Jan 2003 Feb 2003

Personal Injury Sample Report

?? ??, 1996

Right Shoulder Surgery

?? ??, 2002

Neck Strain ?? ??, 2003

Right

Wrist/Forear

m Contusion

Surgery -

Right Carpal

Tunnel

Release

Page 19: DAUGHERTY & ASSOCIATES, LLC - daugherty-legalnursedaugherty-legalnurse.com/uploads/Sample_PI-I.pdf · DAUGHERTY & ASSOCIATES, LLC 765-215-7965 / 4319 W Clara Lane, No 232 Muncie Indiana

Jul 2006 Aug 2006 Sep 2006 Oct 2006 Nov 2006 Dec 2006 Jan 2007

Personal Injury Sample Report

Jul 28, 2006

Motor Vehicle

AccidentAug 1, 2006 -

Aug 21, 2006

Office Visit with

Dr. W on 8/1/06;

8/8/06;

8/15/06;

8/21/06

Sep 19, 2006 -

Sep 27, 2006

Office Visit with

Dr. W and MRI

Oct 3, 2006 -

Oct 31, 2006

10/03/06 - Dr

Visit with Dr. W

10/12/06 -

Office Visit with

Dr. L

10/16/06 -

Office Visit -

Lumbar Epidural

Steroid Injection

10/23/06 -

Office Visit -

Second Lumbar

Epidural steroid

Injection

10/24/06 -

Physical Therapy

Evaluation

10/31/06 -

Office Visit

Oct 24, 2006 -

Nov 21, 2006

Physical therapy - x 5 visits

Nov 7, 2006 -

Nov 27, 2006

Office Visit

11/7/06

11/14/06

11/21/06

11/27/06 -

Lumbar Epidural

Steroid Injection

Dec 19, 2006

Office Visit and

Physical

Therapy

Treatment

Jan 30, 2007

Physical

Therapy

Treatment /

MRI / Office

Visit

Page 20: DAUGHERTY & ASSOCIATES, LLC - daugherty-legalnursedaugherty-legalnurse.com/uploads/Sample_PI-I.pdf · DAUGHERTY & ASSOCIATES, LLC 765-215-7965 / 4319 W Clara Lane, No 232 Muncie Indiana

Jan 2007 Feb 2007 Mar 2007 Apr 2007 Jun 2007 Jul 2007 Aug 2007

Personal Injury Sample Report

Jan 30, 2007

Physical

Therapy

Treatment /

MRI / Office

Visit

Feb 1, 2007 -

Feb 15, 2007

Office visit

2/1/07

2/5/07

2/15/07

Mar 20, 2007

Office Visit

Mar 22, 2007

Office Visit

Apr 6, 2007

Office visit-

selective nerve

root injection

Jun 20, 2007

Office Visit

Aug 22, 2007

MRI & Physical

Therapy

Page 21: DAUGHERTY & ASSOCIATES, LLC - daugherty-legalnursedaugherty-legalnurse.com/uploads/Sample_PI-I.pdf · DAUGHERTY & ASSOCIATES, LLC 765-215-7965 / 4319 W Clara Lane, No 232 Muncie Indiana

Sep 2007 Oct 2007 Nov 2007

Personal Injury Sample Report

Aug 22, 2007

MRI & Physical

Therapy

Sep 12, 2007 -

Sep 19, 2007

Office Visit with

Dr. C and Physical

therapy treatment

Oct 1, 2007 -

Oct 10, 2007

10/01/07 -

Office Visit with

Dr. L

10/10/07 -

Physical Therapy

Treatment

Nov 6, 2007

Pre-Op Chest X-Ray

Nov 7, 2007

Surgery

Nov 7, 2007 to Nov 12, 2007

Hospital stay following surgery