Dr. Brian Lerman
MEDICAL LEGAL CONSULTING
Independent Medical Examinations, Medical Record Reviews,
Expert Testimony, and Consulting
Dr. Brian Lerman
Dr. Lerman received his Bachelor of Science degree in Human Biology from the State University of New York at Stony Brook, and his doctor of chiropractic degree at the Southern California University of Health Sciences.
In addition, Dr. Lerman received Advanced Certification in Competency in Whiplash and Brain Injury Traumatology at the Spine Research Institute of San Diego.
Dr. Lerman has participated in 45 live human subject crash tests. He has participated in observer perception studies. Dr. Lerman has also completed classes in crash measurements and diagramming with Texas A and M University engineering extension service. He has testified over 100 times in circuit and district courts throughout the State of Maryland. He also provides continuing education to first responders at the crash scene including police officers and paramedics throughout various jurisdictions in the state of Maryland.
Dr. Robert Stein
Dr. Stein received his Bachelor of Science degree in Biology from the State University of New York at Albany and his doctor of chiropractic degree at the Southern California University of Health Sciences. He is Board Certified in Lifestyle Medicine through the American College of Lifestyle Medicine.
He completed an additional year of training in sports injuries, and another year-long program in rehabilitation. Dr. Stein is a U.S.A. jump rope instructor and a Punk Rope jump rope instructor.
In addition, Dr. Stein obtained a Certificate of Completion in Culinary Coaching from the Institute of Lifestyle Medicine, Spaulding Rehabilitation Hospital, Harvard Medical School.
Dr. Stein enjoys speaking with and educating his patients about nutrition, exercise and healthy cooking. Dr. Stein, a New York native, is married and has three children. He enjoys exercising and cooking.
More Stories to Share...
I was consulted by a plaintiff attorney. He represented a client who was the driver of a vehicle that was stationary when struck in the rear by an oncoming car. The car was jerked forward abruptly. There was no reported structural damage to either vehicle. He failed to secure a settlement for his client. Had he known that the amount of connective tissue injury in such a crash was directly proportional to the acceleration of the struck vehicle he may have fared better. When a car is struck in the rear it either crushes or accelerates. If it crushes less, it accelerates more and Injury is more likely. Those who disagree are on the wrong side of reality and classic Newtonian Physics.
I do a lot of plaintiff work and occasionally some defense work. It’s supposed to snow tonight here in Baltimore. The roads may be icy tomorrow. The following scenario is possible: Ms. J was the driver of her vehicle which was stationary when she was struck on the rear by a larger vehicle and accelerated into the car in front of her. She was caught by surprise and didn’t have time to prepare or brace for either impact. She was out of position as she was looking to the left. Her head was struck by the seat back behind her. She has past Hx of neck pain, has been in a previous crash, degenerative changes, advanced age ...
Some attorneys refrain from handling low property damage bodily injury claims. This problem has the potential to be mitigated. A doctor examining and treating an injured patient should causally connect the patient’s complaints to the injury producing event.
I was contacted by a middle aged woman who was the driver of a car. She stopped at a red light and was struck in the rear by an oncoming truck accelerating her vehicle abruptly. The crash occurred on an icy road surface. For a week or so she was confused and didn’t know what to do. She had various musculoskeletal complaints.
According to her, she spoke of the crash to the adverse insurance company and was told, “ You can’t open a bodily injury claim because the repair estimate to your vehicle is only $400.”
I asked, “ Was the guy on the phone also a doctor?” Not that it matters clinically, but will the repair estimate and the agent’s opinion change once the bumper cover is removed and the car is properly examined?
Was the guy on the phone qualified, skilled and licensed to diagnose a patient telephonically?
I wonder if that phone call is recorded and traceable?
Understandings Human Occupant Dynamics is important to know when treating patients injured in car crashes.
Recently I was consulted by an attorney who had an issue trying to settle a personal injury claim.
On Monday the injured slipped in her shower and required stitches to her chin. Several days later she was in a rear end crash. With my assistance the attorney articulated that in a collinear rear impact crash the musculoskeletal symptoms can occur bilaterally. Also, the anterior ligaments can be injured, but the pain refers posteriorly.
When conducting a peer review of a patient's file, it is important to focus on the details while also taking a step back to examine the larger picture. For instance, if a treating doctor diagnoses a patient with a ligament instability in the cervical spine, but proceeds to perform osseous spinal manipulation without completing a radiographic study, an MRI examination or a consultation with a neurosurgeon, it’s a huge red flag. Either this would constitute embellishment of the patient's condition or neglect on the part of the doctor in terms of patient care.
