Fallacy marks Zehm case

Subject: Death of Otto Zehm comparing to the fallacy “post hoc ergo propter hoc,” a Latin term meaning “that which first occurred is the cause of that which followed.” The fact is that it may or not be.

I treated fractures called “stress fractures” of the hip. Emergency room called, “Doctor, a lady is here with a fractured hip sustained simply while walking and falling down.” The X-ray showed she had weakness of bones and a fracture from the stress of walking. The fracture caused the fall.

The objective evidence of cause of death is best determined by autopsy results plus the medical care given just before death. It must be recognized that citizens and police can only move to control perpetrators and cannot diagnose mental illness for example. If a mental illness is known to a family prior to such happenstance, said patient should be kept in control at home and when on the street should be accompanied by an appropriate person to assist him.

With information available, I have no opinion.

George W. Bagby II

Spokane