--Latest Blog Posts--
"All the darkness in the world
cannot extinguish the light
of a single candle."
~St. Francis of Assisi
Medical malpractice/healthcare defense case?
You don't need a
"record reviewer".
You need
The Consultant-At-Large.
Why The Consultant-At-Large?
In a word: Experience.
I've been there, and I've done that.
No, I don't mean cliff diving in the Amazon or sitting in on impromptu jam sessions with headlining rock 'n' roll acts. You aren't here because you're looking for an adventurer. You need someone with real-life experience.
I’ve been a practicing Family Medicine physician for seventeen years. I have worked in downtown hospitals, military bases and private rural practice. I have served on policy-making advisory boards and as medical director for nursing and group homes. I’ve seen firsthand the damage that can be done by overzealousness, carelessness, and overconfidence. Conversely I have also seen how a good provider can be unfairly accused by well-meaning but misinformed lay people.
As a legal consultant I have rendered opinions on cases involving everything from hip fractures to terminal ulcers, from pediatric to geriatric patients, and even infections picked up while vacationing in Central America.
But there's much more to a sound consult than that. I have a degree in Mathematics. This taught me how to approach a problem logically and systematically. How to look at issues from all sides and consider all possibilities. This means I know how to anticipate counter-arguments and address them pre-emptively, which will strengthen your case and save time and money all around.
I'll say it again: I'm an actual physician. You've probably noticed the legal medical consulting field is heavy with RNs. While I've always respected the technical knowledge of my RNs, and they do have detailed knowledge of standards, they lack training in the medical decision-making process of physicians, and so are not as well equipped to judge where mistakes were made, and why. Or just as importantly, where they weren't.
I grew up on a farm in rural Ohio and spent many years working in factories before college. This gave me a personal appreciation of the common struggles of everyday folks and just how our health can impact our very ability to survive and provide for our loved ones.
I served in the Army's Armored Cavalry and the Navy's Medical Corps. Teamwork, mission objectives and deadlines are a way of life.
I've also published award-winning novels, so communicating in a clear and engaging manner is second nature.
And finally, I'm completely independent. I'm not affiliated with nor beholden to anyone. So 'conflict of interest' issues, aren't issues.
Services & Fees
Your first question might be, Is that all? Why doesn't he cost more?
Because my overhead is nearly non-existent. By operating online I don't need a physical office. And my midwest location means what expenses I do have are a lot less than you'll find on the coasts.
Also, I'm the only one here. There's no need for a support staff. This also means if you call, you will be talking directly to me. No other people involved.
And finally, as I mentioned earlier, I grew up on the farm. I actually like things quiet and simple. All this allows me to keep my costs low, and I pass that on to you. It's been said that you get what you pay for. What you pay for, with me, is expert, informed advice in a timely fashion. Not a fancy office on a famous street.
Step 1: Call me any time… it’s free.
We’ll discuss your case, what you understand happened, and where you think things went wrong.
Step 2: Get the records.
Cost: depends on the doctor’s office, hospital or nursing home
As a patient, designated legal counsel, Estate Administrator, Power of Attorney or Next of Kin you can ask for the records. Make sure you request them from all physicians, hospitals, and/or nursing homes involved, but note some of these charge for copies. Have them sent to my secure fax server at 440-259-6835, or delivered by mail. Do NOT send them as an email, as it’s hard to guarantee a chain of security.
Step 3: The Initial Review
Cost: $160.00 per hour
I’ll study the records and determine if I believe there is a case or not, and tell you, in detail, why.
Step 4: The Narrative & Summary
Cost: $160.00 per hour
I’ll go through the records page-by-page and prepare for you a narrative: a chronological account of the events, noting what’s relevant and what isn’t, with references to page numbers in the records for efficient verification. I’ll then make a summary where I’ll explain what exactly went wrong, and why, with standards of care, government guidelines and/or journal articles listed, if needed, to support the claim. I also strive to anticipate any counter-arguments your opposition may make and address those as well, so you have the tools you need going in to reach a satisfactory endpoint in a timely manner.
Read a malpractice case's
Narrative & Summary
Read a healthcare defense case's
Narrative & Summary
Step 5: The Expert Testimony
Cost: $720.00 per day
I'll go with you to court (or appear by Zoom or other remote links, if need be) to explain what I've found and why it's important. I will only charge for days I'm present, and less than half days will be billed at the hourly rate.
If cost is an issue, I get it. Call me and we'll see what we can work out!
Announcing The New
Referral Discount
Program!
Refer a colleague, and when they mention your name I will send you a certificate for a 15% discount on the open invoice of your choice!
There are no expiration dates, and it can be combined with my normal 10% discount for prompt payment.
Here's how it works:
-
Refer a colleague. They contact me and mention your name, I send you a certificate for a 15% discount. Even if they don't hire me. Even if you haven't hired me!
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Refer two colleagues, get two certificates and redeem them together for a 30% discount.
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Refer six colleagues and get six certificates, redeem them all together for a 90% discount, and if you do that within 10 days of getting your invoice I'll add in the 10% 'prompt payment' discount, and you have a completely free consultation. It's that simple.
About Dr. Arnold...
As a consultant:
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I served as the medical director for a number of skilled nursing, assisted living, and intermediate care facilities throughout Northeast Ohio.
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I also served on several advisory boards for Naval Hospital 29 Palms and Trumbull Regional Medical Center, involved in perinatal care, payor contract negotiations, and physician relations.
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For six years I was the Public Member of the credentialing council for the Professional Association for Therapeutic Horsemanship as they undertook the design of a more rigorous certification process for their instructors.
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Most recently I have been consulting on malpractice cases across the United States.
As a physician:
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From 2021 to 2024 I operated an independent practice engaged primarily in providing in-home care to the Amish community of northern and central Ohio and western Pennsylvania. During this time I was also involved in conducting disability assessment clinics for the Social Security Administration.
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Prior to that, I ran a family practice clinic affiliated with Trumbull Regional Medical Center.
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I was also on active duty with the US Navy as a staff physician at the Marine Corps Air-Ground Combat Center in 29 Palms, California, caring for 11,000 Marines and their families.
Education:
AMERICAN BOARD OF PHYSICIANS' SPECIALTIES
Tampa, FL
Board Certification in Family Medicine
CASE WESTERN RESERVE UNIVERSITY
SCHOOL OF MEDICINE
Cleveland, OH
Doctor of Medicine
KENT STATE UNIVERSITY
Kent, OH
Bachelor of Science, Mathematics, cum laude
In 1998 (then) PVT Arnold received the U.S. Cavalry's coveted Draper Armor Leadership Award
In 2018 the novel "The Silver Horn Echoes: A Song Of Roland", which he co-authored with Michael Eging, received the New Apple Book Award for Historical Military Fiction
Dr. Arnold is also an active karate-ka, inching his way to black belt.
“Dr. Arnold has reviewed complex medical records and prepared narratives for me on multiple litigation cases. His work is timely and his narratives are clear, on point and easy to follow. I hesitate to write this recommendation because I want him all to myself!”
—Patrick T. Murphy, Esq.,
Cleveland, OH
CONTACT
Steven Arnold MD, LLC
11525 Taylor Wells Rd.
Chardon, OH 44024-8910
ph: 440-637-4229
fax: 440-259-6835
Call, text, email or fill out the form, and I will get back to you within 24 hours.