A. Getting Medical Assistance
A knowing glance and a standard reply such as, “he fell
down the station-house steps” was often the response given
by police officers to accusations of police brutality.
Today’s police departments are taking these accusations
more seriously. While it may be difficult or even
impossible to deny such a defense, detailed color
photographs of the injuries may help, especially if they
show multiple impact areas over the body. As soon as
feasible, professional photographs of the bruises on
plaintiff’s body should be taken.
Usually the time for emergency care has elapsed by the
time an attorney has become involved in the case. If this is
fortunately not the case, then medical care should be
immediately administered. This is important not only to
the well-being of the plaintiff but also to assure a proper
record of the injuries for the case. If the only medical
treatment administered is at the emergency room of a local
hospital, a private physician should be consulted to conduct
a physical examination. A private doctor with an
established practice will be more likely to remain in the
locality than an intern at a hospital in the time required to
bring the action to trial. Without casting any aspersion on
metropolitan hospitals, the private physician is also more
apt to provide better follow-up treatment for the plaintiff,
especially if the injuries are not apparent, such as many of
those that affect the head and internal organs.