Sacramento daily record-union. [volume] (Sacramento [Calif.]) 1875-1891, 1890-05-17

future overcrowding of cars | shall feel
that | have done the public signal sery
iee''
"You will have to prove" said the
agent, that there was ample time for the
car to stop before you jumped off,
Every we'll" ! answered, II am willing
to admit that if | can not clearly prove
that | have no case"
/ added that | supposed it would be
necessary 10 submit to an examination by
the company's surgeon, and suggested that
as | was rapidly improving, il might be
well if that formality was gone through
with at once.
Il am the company's surgeon" said the
agent, "and | agree with you"
he pulled up his sleeve. and / rolled
over carefully and barred the small OF my
back.
you must not expect to find any inter-
nal injuries" / said, NOR probably any
discoloration, as the bandages were taken
of yesterday. But l must request that
when you reach certain spot along my
spine, which l will indicate as you feel
downward from the shoulders, you will be
very careful"
The surgeon said he would be careful
and that l need not be afraid. He pressed
his fingers against my spine, moving them
slowly downward until he came to the
tender spot. 1t was hardly necessary for
me to speak.
There is no doubt" said the surgeon,
''that you received quite painful bruise.
There is an involuntary contraction of the
muscles when | touch a certain spot that
is sufficient evidence of that fact, but l
don't think there is any serious injury to
the spinal column"
Once more the agent urged me to visit
the company's offices and talk the matter
over, and again | declined, for reasons
above stated.
very WE'LL" he said, 'do as you see FIT,
but | warn you that we have witnesses
who will swear that there was plenty of
room inside of the car"
Meanwhile | had received a letter from
a law firm occu 2ying an Office in building
down town. If they have any legitimate
business the publication of their names in
connection with their proposition to me
would certainly injure it not little.
shall, therefore, preserve the original let
ter and publish only the following copy.
with the names omitted;
Deer SIR: Making specially of certain cases.
as we 90, ana having number now pending of
that character we take the liberty OF sending
you our card. Mr.. = was candidate for Gov
ernor OF = IN 1881, and recently moved
here, while Mr.. -, OF our firm was tor twenty
years with - -, attorneys. Mutual Life
building. Very truly yours.
The business card contained a most for
midable array of references by permits
SION" | called at the office of the firm
last Saturday and apologized for not hav-
ing answered their letter. 1t was the erst-
while candidate for Governor who received
me.
"To tell the truth said /, Il am not
very much impressed with NV case. and
have decided not to prosecute the COM
pany."
The lawyer lighted cigar, and, paying
no attention to my remark that l didn't
want to hire lawyer, began to tell me all
about similar cases in his hands that are
making fine progress. A man around the
corner, suffering with broken leg, could
certainly get $4,000 damages Another,
who had been caught between two cars
and badly crushed, would probably re-
ceiye $1,000 as a settlement. Other cases
We're cited. The truth of the matter was
that juries were not disposed to be very
lenient to careless street-car companies.
Il read about your case" said the law
yer, "and | should be sorry to see YOU
abandon it. There is surely a settlement
for $500 in it."
| had my doubts, and the lawyer told of
other cases, one of which, like mine, bad
brought verdict for 81 200.
But in your case" said he, "there was
injury to the spinal cord as indicated by
the numbness in your legs. | think
could safely guarantee verdict for
$1,000.
After he had talked while longer the
lawyer raised his limit to $1,000, and
began to waver.
"Of course" said he, II shouldn't want
to put you to expense that you don't feel
like assuming, so, according to custom
among lawyers, | will agree to contin-
gent Zee. That Is, whatever is recovered
from the company will be shared between
US, we talking a third of half, or what
ever is decided on. The current expenses
of summoning witnesses and SO forth will
only amount to SIS or $40"
And who is to pay these current ex-
penses ?" asked.
:
so certain to be won that | am perfectly
willing to let all such be included in the
contingent fee"
| said | would 60 home and think it
over.
st is seldom" said the lawyer, follow
ing me to the door, that We get hold of
such safe case yours. | think | could
guarantee verdict of $1,000 or s., 5O0".
Then / escaped, saying that if l decided
to prosecute he should certainly have the
case
The lawyer asked no questions as to
witnesses of the accident. As he saw me
/ had entirely recovered, and took pains
to inform him that $50 would more than
compensate me for loss of time and doc
tors fees
But he was willing to pay current ex-
penses out of his own pocket and to guar
antee verdict of $1,000.
When the Boys Ran Things.