Opinion ID: 1057682
Heading Depth: 1
Heading Rank: 8

Heading: Testimony of Dr. C. Timothy Morris

Text: Dr. Morris, S.H.'s pediatrician, had treated her several times before the first report of her injuries. He testified that when he saw her in his office two days after the leg injury, S.H. had a splint on her right foot. According to Dr. Morris, the baby cried vociferously at the least movement of her leg. Because the fracture or fractures may not have been visible in the initial x-ray, and because of S.H.'s distinct, distinct pain reaction, Dr. Morris recalled instructing Silcox to take S.H. back to Children's Hospital for new x-rays. Dr. Morris stated that he saw S.H. again nine days later for a previously scheduled check-up, discovering that her right leg was more purple and brown than it had been the prior week. While S.H. still indicated pain in her leg, the pain response appeared to have lessened and some swelling had subsided. A series of Polaroid photographs of S.H.'s legs taken by Dr. Morris depicted the discoloration and swelling of the leg and were made exhibits at trial. The left leg, which was also photographed, indicated neither discoloration nor readily identifiable swelling. Upon the recommendation of Dr. Roberts, Dr. Morris instructed Silcox to take S.H. to Children's Hospital for the full-body x-rays. Based on his examination, the results of the x-rays, and his consideration of the medical reports from Children's Hospital, Dr. Morris concluded that S.H. had been the victim of abuse. On cross-examination, he conceded that his definition of child abuse included negligent behavior, and acknowledged that there was a gray zone as to whether it would include accidental behavior. He also testified that the term reasonable degree of medical certainty, as he applied it, meant more probable than not.