AboutPaul D. Friedman, M.A., Ph.D., J.D. Expertise I have been a practicing civil trial attorney since 1989 dealing primarily with malpractice issues. I litigate very select medical malpractice cases on behalf of patients or their families. I am a Certified Civil Trial Specialist by the National Board of Trial Advocacy. I am also Certified in Injury and Wrongful Death by the Arizona State Bar Board of Legal Specialization.
In addition to my law degree, I received a Master of Arts in Bioethics and a Doctorate of Philosophy involving Medical Ethics. Because I am also an Adjunct Professor in Research and Medical Ethics at a medical school, I routinely consult with physicians and hospitals regarding medical ethics issues in an effort to improve patient care.
I can answer questions dealing with medical ethics principles. I can also respond to questions regarding potential malpractice issues.
Experience Experience in the area I have been a practicing trial attorney since 1989 and I have a masters degree in bioethics and a doctorate of philosophy regarding comparative ethics.
Organizations State Bar of Arizona
State Bar of Colorado (inactive)
District of Columbia Bar (inactive)
Federal Bar
Licensed in Arizona District Court
Licensed in Ninth Circuit Court of Appeals
licensed in the United States Supreme Court American Bar Association National Board of Trial Advocacy American Association for Justice Arizona Trial Lawyers Association American Society for Bioethics and Humanities Kennedy Institute of Ethics National Association of Realtors
Education/Credentials Bachelor of Arts 1985
Juris Doctorate 1989
Master of Arts in Bioethics 2004 Doctorate of Philosophy 2006
Awards and Honors Phi Beta Kappa
Multiple Who's Who
Publications A list of my copyrighted publications and presentations is contained at WWW.EXPERTETHICS.COM
Question QUESTION: Dear Sir-Happy 4th. How nice of you to take my question as follows: IF I win a
med mal case (CA) will I lose Medicare coverage? I think they can put lien on
settlement. Lastly, is $250K cap designated for pain/suffering only? I.e., are
med. costs recoverable above/beyond that? I am very grateful for your time in
this matter. Kindest regards, E'Vette
ANSWER: Evette,
The answer to your second question depends on your state's laws. Some states have caps while other states do not. Some states who have caps limit only the pain and suffering but allow for unlimited damages for future medical expenses and lost wages.
The answer to your first question depends on the type of Medicare/Medicaid. If your medicate is income dependent, a recovery may eliminate that aide. I suggest you speak to an accountant for a definitive answer.
Very truly yours,
Paul D. Friedman, M.A., Ph.D., J.D.
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QUESTION: Dear Sir-Sorry to bother you again. Very quickly, I'm in California. Thank you. Kindest regards, E'Vette
Answer I am not licensed to practice law in California and cannot provide you with legal advice. It is my understanding from speaking on this point that California allows for damages for medical expenses and lost wages but caps pain and suffering damages at $250,000. I suggest you speak to a medical malpractice attorney in California or you can view my website and look at the presentation on Tort Reform.
