Opinion ID: 2386034
Heading Depth: 1
Heading Rank: 10

Heading: The Case of Charles E. Crawford

Text: The evidence with reference to the Crawford matter consisted of the testimony of Morris S. Berman and a series of papers from his office file introduced as Commission Exhibit 4A through 4G. Crawford did not appear as a witness. Exhibit 4C is a Negligence Information Form filled out by Beverly Benner at the time Crawford was first interviewed on November 2, 1972, stating the date of the accident to be October 30, 1972. Crawford was referred, probably by Mrs. Benner, to Dr. Melvin Sobkov for treatment. Exhibit 4F is a letter from Government Employees Insurance Company dated December 26, 1972, addressed to Respondent stating that no medical reports have been received by the insurer in the Crawford case. Exhibit 4A is a carbon copy of a note dated January 23, 1973, in the handwriting of the Respondent addressed to Dr. Sobkov referring to the case of Charles Crawford, D/A 10/31/72, stating that the client had never come to see the doctor but that he would make an immediate appointment. The note includes, `Please note above D/A.' The evidence is clear that D/A means date of accident. Exhibit 4B is an undated report and a bill dated February 26, 1973, from Dr. Sobkov stating that Crawford had been examined in his office on October 31, 1972, and thereafter had been rendered twenty-seven physical therapy treatments. The bill lists twenty-three of these twenty-seven treatments on dates in November and December, 1972, and January, 1973, all before the date of Respondent's note to Dr. Sobkov dated January 23, 1973. This false report was forwarded by Berman to the insurer as proof of damages in support of Crawford's claim. Respondent's testimony concerning the Crawford matter was essentially the same as that which he gave in the case of Harry Street, supra.