The State Bar Association of North Dakota Fall 2015 Gavel Magazine | Page 15

dangerous situation, and even obtaining a permit to carry a concealed weapon. Table 4: Last Work-Related Threat Or Physical Assault Time Number Percentage Within the past year 40 37.0 1 to 5 years ago 37 34.3 6 to 10 years ago 10 More than 10 years ago 21 Total 108 Change in Conduct The Survey also asked respondents that had received threats or had been the victim of physical assault, if such threats/violence had altered the way they conducted their legal business. Of 105 respondents to this question, only five (4.8 percent) reported that such incidents had affected their conduct a great deal, 49 (46.7 percent) indicated that their conduct had been somewhat affected, and 51 (48.6 percent) identified that it did Conclusion 9.3 19.4 100% not at all alter the way they conducted business. However, many respondents reported taking steps to protect themselves, including: installing bullet proof glass in the office, installing a panic button, removing office nameplates to protect identities, having an office safety plan, making sure staff is present when meeting with volatile clients, keeping alert and stationing oneself to react when potentially volatile individuals are present, requesting a deputy be present when entering a potentially The Survey’s results show that many North Dakota attorneys have experienced a wide range of work-related threats and violence as a consequence of their practice, and it should not be assumed that similar threats and violence against attorneys are entirely random or can only happen to someone else. The reality is that work-related violence and threats of violence can come from any side of a given case and can occur beyond the courthouse and office, regardless of one’s area of practice. However, recognizing the potential of violence in the practice of law is the first step to help prevent it from occurring to you. Based upon the information provided by the Survey, the legal community should consider continuing legal education regarding how to avert becoming the victims of violence and how to deal with violent circumstances when they occur. Medical Malpractice Referrals Justice for Injured People Lee R. Bissonette represents victims with catastrophic injuries caused by medical negligence. Included in those cases are 60 cases involving brain-damaged children caused by birth injuries, poor neonatal care, or failure to diagnose meningitis. All of these cases have resulted in recoveries in excess of $1 million, including a verdict in Bismarck for $4,000,000 in an obstetrics case involving a brain damaged child. Practice Areas: Personal Injury Plaintiff: Medical Malpractice Lee R. Bissonette, Attorney Personal Injury Plaintiff: General The Bissonette Law Firm, PA 8050 West 78th Street, Edina, Minnesota 55439 p. [phone] Direct e. [email protected] To learn more about Medical Malpractice Law go to www.mymedicalcase.com FALL 2015 15