TESTIMONIALS |
|||
|
Just wanted to let you know that our doctor did an outstanding job today! The Plaintiff attorney did start out with the patient "safety/Reptile" questions and the doctor was ready. He did an excellent job throughout of letting his empathy shine through while discussing the medicine in a succinct but informative way. Using his model to explain things was very effective. We both thank you for your help and insight as well as all of the memorable stories. Defense Attorney, Arizona Dr. Schultz: Yes, our Defense Attorney let me know that our doctor did well and the plaintiff's attorney pulled her aside and said "he's such a nice guy." As usual, you worked your magic! I'm so glad you were able to come in at the last minute and make this happen. VP Claims, National TPA I recently had the good fortune of my insurance company enlisting the services of Dr. Ken Schultz to aid my defense attorney in preparing me as a defendant/witness for my upcoming trial. I had not done well at my deposition and made statements and behaved in a way that, unknowingly, may have hurt my chances for a defense verdict at trial. My insurance company and attorney felt I needed the help of a professional physician who specializes in helping prepare healthcare professionals for deposition and trial testimony. Apparently, Dr. Schultz is 'the man.' Interventional Cardiologist of the Midwest I had a case involving a young ER doctor coming up for trial, when it became apparent the stress of the suit had taken a far greater toll than we anticipated. He had done well at deposition, but as the inevitability of trial sunk in, he started to decompensate. He began to doubt his clinical judgment at work. He doubted his ability to stand up to tough cross examination in the formal setting of a courtroom, in front of a jury. We tried the usual preparation techniques (numerous meetings and videotaped mock cross-examination exercises), but his anxiety just increased. I called Ken Schultz and was glad to find he was already in my state, prepping another doctor for trial. I explained the situation and he added us immediately to his schedule. We had 2 several hour sessions with Ken. He put the doctor at ease by recounting his own trial experience, and that of other physicians who had to go through the process. He did not intrude into my bailiwick and was deferential to me when I thought the facts of our particular case required a tweak to his suggestions on occasion. I'm not sure exactly how he did it (despite my being there), but after 2 sessions, the doctor was like a different person: confident, articulate and polite. He turned out to be the surprise star witness at trial and the case was essentially over when my client's testimony was concluded. We had the quickest no cause in my career: less than 10 minutes. Michigan Defense Counsel Ken, thought I'd let you know that trial ended late yesterday with a 7-1 jury verdict in our doctor's favor, on a finding of "no professional negligence". The doctor did well in his testimony and 1 (of the 2) jurors I spoke to afterwards said that the doctor was the most important witness supporting her decision to find no malpractice had occurred. The doctor and I feel that he benefited by our trial preparation session. Thanks for your help! Defense Attorney Pre-deposition concern: Ken, it's been awhile since our last case together. I've been authorized to retain your services to help in the preparation of Dr. W. We are all very concerned about Dr. W's ability as a witness given the recent mock video testimony we recently reviewed. Post-deposition result: I just wanted to let you know that Dr. W. had his deposition today. He did very, very well. He did a good job. He was confident; he knew the record and he explained his position at the appropriate time. He really was just unflappable and after [the plaintiff attorney finished] had a friendly examination from our co-defendant's attorney. After the deposition the co-defendant attorney commented: 'Wow, he’s a really good witness.' Dr. W. profited greatly from the time we spent with him and your efforts. We really do appreciate it." Defense Attorney Hi Dr. Schultz - I am writing to thank you for your recent coaching. I followed your advice and used the recordings to great advantage. I spent many hours preparing and did some further role playing with my attorney. I am glad to report to you that the deposition went very well today. As you recommended, I went in 'knowing my story.' Thank you again. Pediatrician I just wanted to say thanks for Dr. Schultz' amazing work with Dr. B. He has been transformed into a much more confident witness who will be able to handle anything counsel throws at him tomorrow. I cannot say enough about your efforts Dr. Schultz; you connected with my client - doctor to doctor - in a way that I simply could not. We are ready to go tomorrow. Dr. B. and I met again after he very clearly did his homework. And I should say kudos to Dr. B as he took the preparation to heart and could not say enough about the value of reviewing the videotape mock testimony. I also believe the period of time between the 2 day preparation session and the deposition was a perfect interval (also as recommended by Dr. Schultz). I have to say after doing this for 18 years I learned a lot from you Dr. Schultz, and I think in certain cases I will be adopting many of your techniques, particularly some videotaping. And where the insurance companies will agree to it, I will recommend utilizing your services. I have of course floated your name to my partners and will be sharing the story of this fantastic transformation with my fellow association members. Prior to and during our sessions with Dr. B., Dr. Schultz made it clear to me right away and demonstrated clearly that we are part of a team and he deferred to defense counsel on strategic decisions. However, we were like-minded on almost every single issue that arose. Dr. Schultz had an incredible approach with the doctor and frankly I learned quite a bit in watching your methods. The mock testimony session was quite an eye-opener for my doctor, and while these thoughts are clearly within my knowledge and preparation approach, Dr. Schultz just explained it so well to this physician and connected with him in a way that I don’t believe any lawyer can with a physician client. Dr. Schultz, having practiced for many, many years, having been involved as a defendant in a medical malpractice suit, understands full well what a physician goes through and I believe the physician defendant appreciates the perspective of Dr. Schultz more so than their own attorney no matter how well respected and well experienced. Ultimately, the sessions with Dr. Schultz was fantastic for our client and I believe will result in a very strong defense deposition for my client. I am happy to report that Dr. B. testified very well and frankly wasn't challenged merely as much as he was during our preparatory sessions Dr. B could not have performed any better. Defense Counsel Just a short note to let you know that we won our trial. The jury deliberated for about 3 hours and came back with a unanimous verdict in favor of me and my practice. Obstetrician Specializing in Woman's Fertility Dr. Kenneth Schultz provided invaluable expertise in the preparation of an emergency room physician whose videotaped deposition spanned three days in a wrongful death case. From knowledge of the medical and legal issues to Spielberg-esque suggestions regarding witness appearance, Dr. Schultz' advice was instrumental in bringing about a favorable result to a very difficult case. John F. Costa, Esq. This is the 5th time I have asked Dr. Schultz to work with a challenging physician-defendant and, as always, it was well worth it. Our physician-defendant did a great job at deposition, an "A" result. He steadfastly refused to give away standard of care as far as a codefendant was concerned and did a good job explaining his own actions and thought processes. He was nothing like the nervous, defensive, malleable witness evident at the first practice deposition! There was no question asked that we did not cover in the preparation sessions. He asked me to convey his thanks and to that, I add my own. Medical Practice Defense Counsel I would be happy to write a testimonial! I really felt that the 3 sessions were extremely valuable in preparing for my time on the stand. I would also be a strong advocate for getting you involved for anyone involved in a case in the future. The courtroom is an environment that is so removed from the bedside, yet so important when it comes to defending oneself. You really helped me understand the type of questions and the implications of certain questions and answers. As you said, if the jury likes you, you'll probably win. My attorney polled the jury after the defense verdict. The jurors indicated they made their minds up for a defense verdict after my testimony. They liked me and I won. Matthew Marvin, MD I have known and worked with Ken Schultz for 15 years. I have seen him interact with physicians involved in med mal claims and I’ve always described his talents as being ‘magical.’ Ken has an uncanny ability to distill the legal and medical issues in a case to one or two main themes and then communicate those themes to the physician-defendant in such a way as to instill confidence and clarity to him or her. Ken works very well with defense attorneys. He respects their role in the case and augments their advice to the client. He assists them in working with reluctant or uncooperative physician-defendants. He is passionate about his work and it shows. Ken puts physicians at ease, helps them understand their role in the case, and massages a physician-defendant’s wounded psyche due to being involved in a med mal case. He talks the physician’s language and treats them professionally. All of Ken’s skills have helped bring impressive results. Poor physician witnesses turned into stellar witnesses, multimillion dollar demand cases turned into ‘no causes’ and apathetic physician-defendants turned into self-confident advocates for the care they rendered. I’ve seen it, I believe. Robert Zack, Esq. I'm happy to recommend Dr. Schultz and his witness preparation services. I first had him more or less thrust on me, after expressing severe frustration following multiple deposition practice sessions with an E.R. physician who thought he was doing just great but who in reality was terrible. He would fall into the same traps time and time again which were mostly word games, but which carried great potential for harming his defense. I was doubtful that Dr. Schultz could do more than I had already attempted, but I was wrong. There was something about his doctor to doctor communication skills that broke through where I had not. My client went on to give an excellent deposition, to my delight and surprise. After that encounter, I have engaged Dr. Schultz on three other occasions with uniformly excellent results. I highly recommend him for the physician client who is paralyzed by nervousness, overconfident or who just doesn't "get it". He has a gift for communicating overall strategy and medical perspective in a very down to earth way and is a valuable and ethical consultant. Ohio Defense Attorney I have had the distinct pleasure of working with Ken in the med mal arena for many years. Not only does Ken bring great experience to the table, he participates with passion and creativity in the preparation of clients for their depositions. He is relentless in creating confidence in the mind of the client, which goes far beyond ordinary preparation. Mason H. Grower, III I have worked with Ken twice with physician clients who, as witnesses, had problematic potential. On the last case, I asked Ken to allow another client with an up-coming trial to sit in on the initial session. As I suspected, she walked away with a new wide-eyed appreciation for what was coming. “I need that” was all she had to say. As a physician, Ken is masterful in getting the client to focus on the medicine first and to really discover the theme of the case afresh. Then he helps the client become a witness who can routinely return the volley of a question back to our theme of the case, without looking defensive or, frankly, coached. I endorse the product Ken offers whole-heartedly. So here is my limerick for you: Stephan M. Gaus I am pleased to report that our doctor did a fine job testifying. I am confident that he would not have done as well but for the excellent preparation that he was given by Dr. Schultz. By the end of the deposition, the doctor, was exhausted, but glad to get his behind him. He is very appreciative of the help that has been given him in dealing with this litigation and in getting him prepared for his deposition. I might add that this was the first deposition he has ever given. Donald P. Maloney, Esq. Ken, Dr. R was on the stand today, and as expected did WELL! She has been in a good emotional space since the trial started, and I know you were an important part of that process. Senior Claims Manager Anyone who has ever testified in a deposition or at trial has felt the worry and pressure associated with that experience. The personalized services provided by Dr. Ken Schultz are invaluable tools needed to not only survive but excel during testimony. The world of malpractice litigation is foreign and frightening to physicians. Most physicians would rather gargle with nuclear waste than testify for a deposition or trial. If you have any trepidation about testifying in your malpractice suit, I highly recommend the deposition and trial coaching (preparation) services of Dr. Ken Schultz. Ken is our secret weapon in the defense of malpractice suits. If you think of plaintiff attorneys as ‘Superman’, then Ken is their Kryptonite. Tom Syzek, MD FACEP I have worked with Ken in preparing my healthcare clients to testify on some big cases. I wish I had him on every case, big and small! He supplements and compliments what I provide to the witness and does so in fascinating manner. His medical expertise automatically commands respect and ideas and tips seem to be accepted more thoroughly. I have watched Ken teach the same principle that I have previously taught and my client all of a sudden grasps it. He is tireless, knowledgeable, and uses an engaging approach that is well received by the witness. I highly recommend his services. T. Marc Clavert, ESQ., Ken was of great assistance in working with a physician/client to prepare and give very helpful deposition testimony on his own behalf. Ken had a mastery of the involved medical issues, and was very effective in honing our trial strategies. Alan Baun, ESQ., Ken has served as a medical consultant assisting with the preparation of physicians for deposition and trial testimony. As a physician, he understands the concerns and attitudes of such witnesses and can discuss both the medical and legal aspects of such matters. He is knowledgeable and insightful, often thinking of creative solutions to difficult problems. I strongly recommend Ken should you need assistance with medical clients and their potential testimony. Charles Cole, Esq. I just wanted you to know that our doctor's deposition was completed yesterday. I don't remember when I have seen a better presentation on the part of a deponent, and I have been actively representing physicians in litigation for 25 years. He did an excellent job. After our meeting, in which you participated, we did a full afternoon of aggressive mock deposition examination. As you would expect, he started out slowly but proved to be a very adept student. He understood all the basic principles, and applied that knowledge yesterday. He was particularly adept at recognizing misstatements in the deposition questions and avoiding the tendency to over explain. I just wanted you to know that we had a very successful deposition, and this is largely attributable to the exhaustive preparation which took place ahead of time. Charles Hughes, Esq. Dr. Schultz, I just wanted to thank you. You did a wonderful job with our insured doctor defendant for his appearance recently and obviously were helpful in us obtaining our unanimous defense verdict! I received glowing comments from the doctor as well. Well done! Professional Liability Carrier Claim Representative The deposition went well. The doctor was a good witness for her defense, had a good handle on the medical records, and did a nice job explaining her thought process in the emergency department that day. She was calm and collected throughout the deposition, and did not fall into any ‘traps’ set by Plaintiff. We were definitely pleased. Your assistance with our deposition preparation clearly helped. Defense Attorney, NC Kenneth Schultz, MD recently worked with a client about to give a deposition in a wrongful death case. The client's remorse over the end result, notwithstanding his belief that proper care was provided, prevented him from being able to articulate his defense posture. After two sessions with Dr. Schultz, I watched a burden being lifted from my client's shoulders and he was successfully equipped to testify at his deposition. The client will now be able to participate, and lead, his own defense. The investment in Dr. Schultz's services have already - and will continue to - pay dividends in this litigation. Bruce VandeVusse, Esq. Ken, your assistance in preparing Dr. S for his trial testimony was invaluable. Dr. S's study and review of the taped session that we had a number of months before trial made him a much better and confident witness before the jury. Before the trial the plaintiff's counsel was assuming the doctor would be an impediment to the defense but after I talked to the jury after the defense verdict it was clear that Dr. S was an asset to the defense. His sincerity and humility and use of the hand model were very persuasive. Thanks again for your help. Daniel G. Beyer I am so pleased with your work as are all the defense counsel and physicians with whom you have worked in my cases. I like to think of you as my best secret weapon (although I do tell all defense counsel and everyone here about your services and rave about your results!). Dr. Schultz, you have had three cases dismissed for me. Let's go for number four! Attorney/Claims Representative Your services were extraordinarily helpful in my recent malpractice case. I feel the training you conducted was the most important "continuing education" I have experienced since starting my practice. I am absolutely sure that the tools you gave me kept this case much briefer and almost guaranteed a good outcome for me. I realize there is always room for improvement and I hope I never need to further refine my deposition skills, but the outcome of early dismissal of this very difficult case is a testament to what you did for me. Allan Mahood, MD, Emergency Physician In Case #1, I was extremely concerned about the expected testimony of Dr. W, the only defendant in the case. This case involved an Emergency Department visit in which the patient presented with a complaint of chest pain, was discharged to home, and died four days later from a pulmonary embolism. Dr. Schultz and I met with Dr. W prior to his deposition. Dr. Schultz was extremely helpful to me and Dr. W in formalizing his thinking as he retrospectively recreated his evaluation on this particular patient. Dr. Schultz was able to help prepare him for his deposition, which was one of the most critical steps in the litigation of this case. Resultantly, Dr. W gave extremely good deposition and trial testimony. I am pleased to report that we tried this case last month and received a unanimous defense verdict. Case #2 also involved an Emergency Medicine physician who simply talked incessantly to his detriment. I was extremely worried about how he would do during his deposition. Therefore, Dr. Schultz and I met with him repeatedly, and filmed him at least three times in mock depositions, all prior to his actual deposition. It was amazing how well he did in his deposition when it was ultimately taken. As a result of that favorable deposition and also as a result of convincing plaintiff's counsel that proximate cause could not be proved against this physician, I am pleased to report that we obtained a voluntary dismissal with prejudice of our defendant client. Fred E. Davis In preparation for trial, my attorney retained the services of Ken Schultz, MD. He and I met for several hours before my trial to go over the details of my upcoming testimony and how best to present myself. In this session, I practiced answering questions from my attorney who posed as both the defense and plaintiff’s counsel. When I had difficulty responding to her questions, Dr. Schultz would play my role in responding. The whole process involving Ken was critical to my success at trial. It truly helped crystallize my thoughts in preparation and helped me to be believable and likeable to the jury. I heartily recommend this technique for future litigants as well as Dr. Schultz's expertise. I am very grateful to my attorney for arranging Dr. Schultz's participation. David W. Ross, DO, FACEP One of Ken's strengths is his ability to quickly assess the physician's personality and state of mind, and then gear his preparation of the physician in a way that will be meaningful and effective for that particular personality and situation, rather than using a cookie-cutter approach to witness preparation. Ken brings to the table his knowledge of medicine, claims management, risk management, and the practical realities of litigation to partner with defense counsel in preparing a stronger and more successful defense. Tamara LeFevre, Esq. There is no more important discovery impacting the defense of medical malpractice matter than the testimony of your client. Ken’s expert physician witness coaching and medical legal strategy input have provided invaluable services in helping me and other attorneys in our firm prepare our clients for both deposition and trial testimony. I would highly recommend Ken’s pre-deposition and pre-trial counseling services. Miles A. McGrane, III, Esq. Thanks for the opportunity to comment on your mentoring me in preparation for my deposition and testimony for my recent malpractice case. The initial impression of my legal team was that it would be a tough but winnable case. The weakest part of the defense was my tendency to ramble and "lecture" when asked a question. Your help in learning to stay brief, organized, focused and confident made me a truly effective witness. My attorney reported that we set a record for the quickest favorable jury deliberation in his career experience. Your effective coaching made a big difference in our successful defense. Elroy Cantrell, DO Our firm has achieved great results based on Dr. Schultz's ability to assist us in preparing healthcare providers for their testimony. Our healthcare defendant clients always praise Dr. Schultz's abilities and are extremely thankful that we recommended utilizing a doctor who has litigation expertise in this effort. Addison J. Meyers - Partner Thank you all for helping me get prepared for this deposition. It was time well spent, I am sure. Thanks to you Dr. Schultz, you made the hard questions easy. The opposition was not well prepared as we were! Best to all. General Surgeon |
Home | About Dr. Schultz | Services | Testimonials | Contact |