List date(s) this work was published or aired.
April 3-5, 2011
Provide a brief synopsis of the story or stories, including any significant findings.
This three-part serial narrative follows a woman who, at 29 weeks pregnant, is run over by a car in a downtown crosswalk. A broken ankle is the least of her hit-and-run-caused problems. Doctors discover a huge clot lodged in her heart’s tricuspid valve, threatening her and her unborn child. They disagree about when, how and whether to remove the clot, then, given her fragile state, puzzle out the best way to deliver a healthy child. The story illustrates, among other things, how physicians work through varying opinions during difficult cases.
Explain types of documents, data or Internet resources used. Were FOI or public records act requests required? How did this affect the work?
The reporter used police records and court documents in researching the story, conducted dozens of interviews with the victim, her family, physicians, therapists, police, lawyers and others, and attended court hearings when the vehicle’s driver agreed to a plea bargain and was sentenced.
Explain types of human sources used.
Extensive interviews of family members and doctors involved.
Results:
It’s unknown whether there’s a direct connection between this series and a debate in the state legislature over pedestrian safety exactly one month after publication. Later in the year, a pedestrian safety bill was passed into law.
Follow-up (if any). Have you run a correction or clarification on the report or has anyone come forward to challenge its accuracy? If so, please explain.
Reader reaction to the series was overwhelmingly positive, and included such comments as: “You’ve got great characters, great drama and great writing. I’d say that’s the holy trinity of compelling journalism. I can’t wait for tomorrow’s installment.”
Advice to other journalists planning a similar story or project.
None.