1. I have known Noel Gage and his first wife for many years. My daughter went to a private school with his two girls. His family is lovely, and he has always treated them well. I am an attorney who practiced in the same county court in Michigan most of the time where Noel practiced. We entertained the Gages in our home and held an election fundraiser party for his wife and a number of others running for judgeships at the same time. His lovely wife and I were in the same social and professional circles.

   Most people I know considered Noel too arrogant although he was a very good attorney. Never at any time was there the slightest whisper that Noel conducted himself in any way that would suggest he would even consider committing the crimes with which he currently stands trial. I personally have no knowledge of anything illegal that he has ever done.

   Comment by Jody Bowen — February 20, 2008 @ 7:49 am

2. im one of people dr kabins operaded on in sept28 1995 thank you George Knapp.

   Comment by ROB `ROBERTS — February 20, 2008 @ 8:13 am

3. these surgeons and lawyers should be stripped of their license and sent to jail. all off them! immunity or no immunity, they should not be allowed to practice in the united stated ever! they are just greedy, crook and plain and simple criminals!

   Comment by j.p. rizal — February 20, 2008 @ 8:31 am

4. I’m one of the people who Kabins WANTED to operate on. when I refused to have surgery, Vannah dropped me as a client. that alone speaks volumes about these people.

   Comment by Cynthia Johnson Spivey — February 20, 2008 @ 11:40 am

5. Gage is not the biggest player in the Awand web. Awand’s doctors and lawyers have lied in personal injury litigation for many years. This benefitted Awand and his band of attorneys and doctors, but never the patients who underwent multiple spine surgeries for no reason other than to inflate their otherwise meritless personal injury claims. There will be a higher justice for these greedy criminals.

   Comment by Anonymous — February 20, 2008 @ 3:14 pm

6. I agree with the statement above. Lawyers and Doctors should be stripped of there licenses and sent to jail - no immunity!!! Thanks for playing with human lifes!
   I nearly died and they covered it up, hope they can sleep at nite!

   Comment by V.Schoemer — February 20, 2008 @ 8:36 pm

7. The amount of insurance fraud that goes on in this state is absolutely unbelievable…unless you are in the insurance industry you really don’t have any idea. Why are lawyers & law firms directing medical treatment and referring patients to doctors? Isn’t that the job of the Primary Care Physician? And why are these same lawyers & firms referring their clients to the same doctors over and over? I’ve got STACKS of files where you see the same thing over & over & over again….surgery when it’s not necessary, injections for no good reason…all in an attempt to build up the value of claim. The same doctors, the same lawyers, the same diagnosis, the same procedures. Pathetic!

   To those of you who are outraged….let your outrage be known when you are called for jury duty for a personal injury case. Demand tort reform from your elected officials.

   There is no reason why anyone should have to pay 3 times (or more) for insurance when they move to Nevada. Unfortunately we do because of the amount of insurance fraud that goes on in this state.

   Comment by What a joke! — February 20, 2008 @ 9:33 pm

8. The above comment #7 was written by an insurance defense lawyer. That same lawyer will hire a hack doctor (the doctor makes $300,000+ a year working for insurance companies or the law firms hired by them) to write a report which will emphatically state that you are not hurt and are faking your injuries. They will surveil your home so they can catch you trying to get your life back to normal to show that you are not injured. Plaintiff’s attorneys believe their clients until they have facts to prove otherwise. Insurance defense attorneys believe everyone is faking it. Regardless of the merits, they will still hire the same hack doctor to limit your recovery. If you are injured and you think that an insurance company will give you a fair settlement, good luck to you. The insurance adjuster gets a bonus at the end of the year for cutting your settlement in half or worse. If a doctor is performing unnecessary surgeries or procedures he should go to jail. Plain and simple. In the end, it’s the plaintiff’s experts vs. the defendant’s experts and a jury resolves the dispute unless the case settles. That’s the battle folks. What’s going on now, is a public debate sponsored by the insurance industry. It’s not new, the insurance industry just got done doing this in California. Just like the med-mal debate, they want to sway public sentiment to their side. In the med-mal debate it worked.

   Comment by Plaintiff Atty — February 21, 2008 @ 6:59 pm

9. I was injured and had to undergo surgery. My insurance wouldn’t pay because they said the hospital billed them too much. I can’t even remotely side with insurance companies they are the rip off! having said that people should look inside there hearts and do the right thing be they a Dr. or a Lawyer or an insurance company.
   comment by patient

   Comment by patient — February 21, 2008 @ 7:19 pm

10. I totally agree with comment #7. Why would anyone be in agreement with tort reform-all it does is limit your rights. I personally know some of the people involved. I have attended the parties in Big Bear and I have seen several district court judges at these parties also. I have read the allegations and have knowledge about several of these cases. I agree that some things were done that were unethical and immoral and people need to be held accountable for those deeds but I am not sure I agree that anything criminal has taken place. Attorney’s are allowed to hire experts to help them prepare a case-it is right there in the fee agreement! They are not allowed to fee-split however and that is something that may have occured. If a doctor performed a surgery that was not needed then they need to also be held accountable but let’s not forget that it is ultimately the doctor that holds the scaple not the attorney! Yes, attorneys use the same docs over and over again, they develop relationships with certain doctors and become comfortable with them-that is not illegal nor unethical! Like stated above the insurance companies will use the same docs again and again also. Oh, I could go on forever but it is up to the jury to decide. My heart goes out to all the families.

    Comment by j — February 21, 2008 @ 8:46 pm

11. It will be interesting to watch what happens tp these scumbags (lawyers and doctors) ………Let us all watch these criminals in action as they get away with these injustices by cunning legal maneuvers. Noel, what goes around comes around……….OUR TAX PAYERS MONEY AT WORK… SEND THEM ALL TO CHINA!!!!!!

    Comment by m — February 21, 2008 @ 10:27 pm

12. People………please……..all of these individuals are innocent until PROVEN guilty. Let’s let the system do what it’s designed to do before we start throwing stones. If you do not know these men personally or professionally, you have no right to judge them.

    Comment by Pots and Kettles — February 22, 2008 @ 11:29 am

13. The doctors and the lawyers need to be held accountable for what they have done to people. There is a piece missing here though. The medical community as a whole is accountable here. There are peer review processes that have repeatedly failed to protect the patients. The hospitals, the administrators, and everyone involved in patient care knew what was going on and talked about it openly. It continued because of greed. The hospitals wouldn’t turn away a doctor or his cases because it meant big $$$. Shame on the Las Vegas medical community and everyone involved who stood by and just accepted it. I didn’t. I spoke my peace and moved out of nursing and away from Nevada. I regret ever having been a part of it.

    Comment by former OR nurse — February 22, 2008 @ 6:37 pm

14. I am a person who was hit by an old person back in 2002.!!!! For 21/2 years I did EVERYTHING to fix my injuries. I am fairly young and surgery is and was my very LAST option. I unfortunately rapped up in this on going F>>>>game with the attorneys (ON BOTH SIDES): a surgereon who I had throughly research over and over, and thought was a very good choice, and then ended up with a lawyer who, lets say prolonged my misable life situation, due to the legal game, run around and so forth. Did everything I was instrusted to do, went back to the Dr. for surgery, and know because of this hole ordeal won’t do the surgery,until my case is settled. I have been violated over and over by the insurance company. I have been spied on, lyed to, had my life totally violated, just to find out that my own attorney is “suspected” of doing the same. Now what???? I don’t know who to trust, where to turn, and at the end of the day, Im still not better. My family still is affected everyday by this accident, and I can’t get “truthful” legal help, the insurance company is trying to say that “all discograms” are not sufficiant evedience to need back surgery. If the insurance companies win that fight, NO ONE will ever have the surgeries paid for again. PI case or just bad health. Thats the goal of the insurance company. I do believe lawyers have the responsiblity to let you know when you “hire” them to let you know if there professional behavior will effect your health care. STAIGHT UP, !!!!!

    Comment by S.H. — February 27, 2008 @ 12:42 am

15. I really wish everybody would stop saying that the attorney’s clients are “victims.” That is a joke. The clients faired far better than they could have ever imagined. Which brings me to the real point… if the clients are not the victims, who really is poor innocent victim that in the whole situation? Answer: Nobody is a victim. If an insurance company pretends to be victimized by trumped up medical treatment, it would have about as much credibility as Paris Hilton at a virginity pledge. The truth is that insurance companies have brought this upon themselves by their beyond dirty tactics… including their own hired gun experts, private investigators who lie, falsify evidence, and invade the privacy of the innocent. I personally worked in house for a top fortune 500 insurance company for several years and I was literally disgusted by what I saw from claims adjusters and their supervisors. I can pretty much assure everybody interested that every case of alleged “medical fixing” resulted from an insurance company not giving the plaintiff a fair settlement offer from the very beginning.

    Comment by Blame Game — February 27, 2008 @ 4:27 am

16. Is anybody covering this trial? No news for days and days???

    Comment by Nancy — February 27, 2008 @ 8:03 am

17. I think this whole trial is a BIG WASTE of our tax dollars! We need to go after the REAL CROOKS and leave this honest and genuine person (Noel Gage) alone? How about going after the INSURANCE COMPANIES — who, time and time again … rip us off by denying claims that should be covered? The insurance companies are most eager to take our money for premiums … but are far more tight-fisted with paying legitimate claims. Maybe if more insurance companies played fair with its insureds (customers) … we wouldn’t NEED so many lawyers to protect people’s interests and to fight for what is rightfully theirs under their insurance policy(ies)!!!

    Comment by Raeann Todd — February 27, 2008 @ 4:32 pm

18. To Comment #11:

    It always amazes me how people like you enjoy calling lawyers and doctors “scumbags,” until the time comes when you NEED them —- then they are your best friend.

    I think you need to grow a brain.

    Comment by Raeann Todd — February 27, 2008 @ 4:34 pm

19. This is a complicated case and it is unfortunate that people are literally stoning the accused before the facts are known or adjudicated.

    I live in another state and I personally know one of the docs that is being pummeled and if I needed a major spinal surgery, he would be on my very short list of surgeons that I would trust to operate on my back.

    Comment by Concerned Doc — March 1, 2008 @ 11:54 am

20. Yes, the media coverage of this case has been “hit or miss.” And this is a big “miss.”

    Take the Government’s allegation that “huge sums of money” were taken “out of the settlements awarded to severely injured clients” and funneled into the pockets of Gage, among others. You miss the evidence at trial that shows that Gage’s clients received every nickel they were entitled to receive, and that Gage received no more than he was entitled to receive under his standard fee agreements. And if Gage paid any money to anyone, it was out of his negotiated share — not the client’s share — of the settlements, which he was entitled to do.

    Second, you talk about the “scheme” as if it is proven fact, but you miss the Government’s failure to show that there was any “scheme” at all or, if there was, that Gage knowingly participated. There is only testimony of the truth-challenged doctors that they thought Gage was involved. And there isn’t any coherent evidence as to what Gage got out of this supposed scheme, other than his standard fees. The notion that he somehow sold Melodie Simon down the river in order to get another case is ridiculous on its face; there is no evidence that Thalgott or Kabins had any power to move the case in question in Gage’s direction, so why would Gage cut the doctors a break? In fact, why would Gage have to choose between the two cases at all? Why wouldn’t he maximize his fees by suing all culpable doctors in both cases? How did you miss the fact that this is exactly what he did?

    Third, look more carefully at the Melodie Simon case. Yes, the Government alleges that she was deprived of millions of dollars. But the Government’s theory is that Gage short changed her (and gave up the additional fees he could have earned in the Simon case) in order to get another case, which makes no sense, as noted above. More importantly, the Government’s own expert witness testified under oath that if Gage had sued Thalgott and Kabins, he would have recovered nothing. Repeat: Nothing. How did you miss that? That testimony vindicates Gage’s strategy to sue the one guy who was proven to have stuck multiple needles in Melodie Simon’s spine and then tried to cover up his incompetence. Melodie Simon was lucky that Gage figured this out.

    And finally, how did you miss the implications of the Government’s attempt to show “how medical malpractice cases should be handled by lawyers and doctors”? The Government’s idea seems to be that Gage should have sued everyone in sight — basically, throw everything against the wall and see what sticks. What a recipe for malpractice reform that is. Sue everyone or we’ll accuse you of a crime. It’s ridiculous, and it’s dangerous, at least if you care about keeping good doctors in Nevada.

    Yes, the media has not acquitted itself very well here. You can do a lot better.

    Comment by Joseph Lochert — March 4, 2008 @ 10:47 pm

21. I HAVE HAD SURGERY BY KABINS,VISIT HIS WAITING ROOM AND SEE IF HE IS BACK FRIENDLY ? THEN LISTEN UP TO ALL THE NEGATIVE TALK ABOUT HOW LONG THE WAIT IS ? My back surgery was not succesful. Emergency recently put me bed ridden in hospital waiting for a surgeon that would fix my back right.after certain tests,and 2 weeks in hospital surgery for fusion of s-1,l-5,l-4,was reality.Because it was work related,Blue shield and NEVADA ALTERNATIVE SOLUTIONS, 3RD PARTY INS.CO. BOTH DENIED PAYMENT OF MEDICAL BILLS. The doctor that did the fusion was fantastic, but NEVADA ALTERNATIVE SOLUTIONS SAID I HAD TO SEE KABINS ? Because of this my perscriptions, therapy that i was told to do have not been okd by adjustor,aka-nevada alternative solutions,i have hearing 9:30 am,3-10-08,5th one,my 50 year old body has become disabled,for more than just this reason. my real problem is that i have wittnessed lies by both parties above. I WILL be following up with my doctor that did the fusion even if i have to continue out of pocket expenses, At my age i just want the truth !These insurance companies and some doctors think they will be my GOD.

    Comment by ROBERT — March 5, 2008 @ 2:42 pm

22. In May 2003 I had an accident that broke my lumbar spine with a level three fracture (level 4 is paralysis). I went to 6 doctors, it took 7 months, and not one would touch my spine.

    The 6th one said he could refer me to the only doctor who could fix such a messed up spine, but he would give me the referral only if I would ask to allow him into the surgery to see how this doctor would fix such a break. This referral was to Doctor John Thalgott. I said ‘if he can fix it, and the two of you agree it’s ok for you to sit in on the surgery than that is fine with me.’

    If you were in my position, what would you do? I was totally disheartened by the spinal doctors in Las Vegas for not wanting to touch me, due to the severity of my break!! It makes me sick to see people who do not know Dr. Thalgott and have the audacity to calling him a scum bag. That man will take on back cases that nobody else will touch because he is a brilliant doctor. He is not a butcher. He spent over 6 weeks trying to figure out how to go about fixing my back. He had the best vascular surgeon with him that day he fixed my back. He did his research. He helped me become strong again after the surgery.

    If your back breaks, and you need a surgery, I hope for your sake that Dr. Thalgott is in practice to fix your back. He fixed my back, and if he wouldn’t have taken the case I am sure I would be paralyzed now. Nobody would touch my spine, NOBODY…. until Dr. Thalgott. Even he agreed that my spine was one of the worst non-paralyzed spines he had seen. He is an excellent doctor. I now can walk, I am 2 inches taller, and I don’t have to worry about searching for someone with enough skill to work on my back.

    You may call him a scum bag, I call him a God given gift from heaven. He is one of the most talented spinal surgeons in the world. Look at his CV here: http://www.spineuniverse.com/mdpage.php?doctorID=603 before you call him a scum bag.

    There is a difference between surgeons and malpractice lawyers, one is trying to help humanity, the other is trying to line their, or others pockets. I knew that I might come out of that surgery paralyzed before I went in, and I knew if I didn’t have the surgery I may become paralyzed at any time. People who have spinal injuries know this. The difference is some people have to hire lawyers to sue doctors because they don’t get the outcome they wanted. That is the chance of going under the knife. Maybe if malpractice was banned, lawyers could worry about law. This would allow doctors to do their jobs without undue stress of the threat of suit. Maybe then surgeons could do their job, and not get caught up in the manipulation of lawyers threats, and scams.

    I would like to see you try to perform any type of surgery. The world needs talent like Doctor Thalgott, and less lawyers.

    Comment by Jean Martin-Daigle — March 5, 2008 @ 6:28 pm

23. I have worked with almost every doctor and attorney named in this indictment along with Howard Awand. I know that Mr. Awand, the attorneys and the doctors in this case are have destroyed the lives of innocent people. The bottom line is that there are good and bad in every profession and they have shown what I knew was true but could never have proven. I look at it this way….What goes around comes around. Justice will prevail.

    Comment by Jane Simons — March 6, 2008 @ 3:57 pm

24. When I moved to Las Vegas in 1995 I had already had 6 back surgeries (3 Laminectomies and 3 fusions………the last fusion was with insturmentation (rods and screws))

    I went and saw Dr. Kabins with all of my MRI and CAT scans and X-Rays from Chicago and Dr. Kabins told me that I needed to get the “metal out of my back” and that all he ever did was failed back surgeries.

    I left his office and never went back even though I did end up getting the “metal” removed and my 7th back surgery (fusion) in 2000.

    Guess who did the surgery……..Dr. Patrick McNulty who was mentioned this week in the Las Vegas Review Joural in regards to all this stuff going on with attorney Gage and Drs. Kabins and Thalgott.

    Vegas is a small town and all of the Drs. who are supposed to be the best here have been mentioned in articles pertaining to Gage………like Thomas Dunn, Patrick McNulty, Dr. Kabins, Dr. Thalgott and others.

    I have heard these names mentioned over the last almost 13 years that I have lived in Vegas. Now what are we gonna do when we need A “good Doctor to do spinal surgery in Las Vegas????

    This is scary.

    What if anything did Drs. McNulty and Dunn have to do with this ongoing stuff against Mr. Gage???

    Comment by Margie B — March 8, 2008 @ 7:00 pm

25. What is the matter with these juror’s - how much evidence do they need? Gage is guilty - do you really think these doctors would ruin their reputations if they weren’t part and parcel to this conspiracy? Don’t let technicalities like failing to prove the bank account used was FDIC insured or failing to present evidence that a lawyer should negotiate medical liens fool you into thinking he is not guilty. Notice how the defense is the government didn’t prove it as opposed to I didn’t do it?

    Comment by Eileen — March 14, 2008 @ 8:12 pm

26. I find it ironic that Gage benefits from the rulings on an unbiased judge. How many defendants in Las Vegas have been afforded the same luxury?

    Comment by Joe — March 14, 2008 @ 8:17 pm

27. What is wrong with these juror’s? Do you really believe these doctors would ruin their reputations if they weren’t part and parcel to this conspiracy? Gage is Guilty. Don’t let jury tampering in the form of television commercials or prosecutorial mistakes fool you. The “other” charges were dismissed because the government didn’t prove the bank account used was FDIC insured. They also didn’t present evidence that lawyers are supposed to negotiate medical liens. Notice how the defense is the government didn’t prove their case as opposed to I didn’t do it? premiums.

    Comment by Eileen — March 14, 2008 @ 8:26 pm

28. Please consider the irony. Noel Gage is charged with a crime because their were 3 potential defendants (Kabins, Tholgott, and Burkhead) and Gage “conspired” with 2 of them to prove his case against the third. In fact, the strategy proved successful as he won a 2.3 million dollar settlement for his client. In gage’s case, there were similarly multiple potential defendants including Gage, Thalgott, and Venger. What did the government do? It pardoned Thalgott and Venger to prove its case against its target… Noel Gage. Shouldn’t the prosecuters be charged with the same crime as Noel Gage? After all, they committed the exact same actions.

    Comment by James — March 14, 2008 @ 10:31 pm

29. Eileen, what you fail to realized is that that is exactly how the system is supposed to work. It is the government’s burden/job to show that Gage did it, not visa versa. I love how so many people are upset at the jury for not just saying Gage is guilty already. What you some how fail to realize is that they, unlike you, have heard all the evidence. Please just let the system work how it is supposed to work. If he is guilty, then lock him up. However, he is still presumed innocent until the jury says otherwise. If Gage is convicted, everybody will be praising this system and saying how “justice was done.” But if he is acquitted, then this will just be another “good ‘ol boys” issue. People can’t have it both ways.

    Comment by George — March 15, 2008 @ 7:39 am

30. I feel concerned for Concerned Doc(March1)if he would let these doc’s operate on him. I have been a physician in town for 15 years , and have had the unfortunate experience working with all those involved. Venger has to be one of the obnoxious, greedy untrustworthy physician’s in the valley. How he could slither through the ICU at Desert Springs and turn on other physicians is beyond reproach. I hope he has a good time in jail. Kabbins and Thalgot are no better operating on almost everybody, putting metal rods where they didn’t need to be, and increasing the cost of health-care for all. I am shocked your friend didn’t operate on you. Perhaps you don’t have good insurance.

    Comment by LV DOC — March 15, 2008 @ 1:04 pm

31. You don’t win settlements. It is a compromise between parties. Yes he settled a lawsuit for a lot of money but he cheated his client out of many millions more in order to protect his co-conspirators. These guys have been working together for years on hindreds of matters.

    It is a long established dynamic in criminal matters for lesser known conspiritors to be pardoned in exchange for cooperating with the state. However, there are certain conditions precedent to such deal; you’re guilty, you come clean, and you are generally a minor player in the greater sceme. Kabins wasn’t offered a deal because he’s more involved and is subject to future proesecution. Don’t think that Kabins and Gage won’t be testifying aginst Awnad if there is a conviction here.

    You are right in that I don’t have a lot of faith in juries. I am not an attorney but have heard enough verdicts to know that evidence is immaterial to them, just ask O.J.

    Comment by Eileen — March 15, 2008 @ 7:35 pm

32. Dear readers, wait to hear from all of the poor victims who have been viciously violated by these attorneys and they think that they are bigger than God. I praise the FBI for all of their hard work in this case in helping us victims!!!!

    Comment by wised up — March 16, 2008 @ 12:21 am

33. You readers need to hear from all of us victims by these vicious attorneys and how they have victimized us. At least with a rattlesnake you can see it coming at you. Thank God for the FBI helping us or this would still be going on!

    Comment by wised up — March 16, 2008 @ 12:30 am

34. What makes you think you can trust the FBI? The government has its own agenda and it’s not to protect our rights. What about insurance companies that don’t want to pay? The real conspiracy here is the one between the government, Bush administration, and the insurance companies. Think about their greed. What about all the victims of hurricane Katrina. Where was the government and the insurance companies then? It’s the same when you are injured or sick. Nobody cares and nobody wants to pay and the government does nothing about it.

    Comment by s. alison — March 16, 2008 @ 3:56 pm

35. FBI and Prosecutors: Spend more time in investigating the operative report records of Dr. Derek Duke. Look for his off label usage of devices and biologics. Look at surgical actions which are stated to have been performed and then look for post imaging surgical evidence to support what was actually done. Look for abnormally short operative times for procedures which should have taken 2 times as long by notable surgeons more senior than he. Ask questions of his PA’s regarding how much operative work they performed in the presence of Dr. Duke. There are many patients unhappy with the outome of his work.

    Comment by Is this Post Fellowship Mayo Philosophy — March 16, 2008 @ 8:15 pm

36. I have been a patient of Dr. Kabins for six years. I have had nine total surgeries performed by Dr. Kabins and Dr. Kabins alone. Every procedure which was completed on me was involving the spine. Each surgey was successful. Think about these facts. Dr. Kabins has been cutting right next to my spine each time. No surgeon has a track record like him. So all of you naysayers who jump on the bandwagon and immediately put Dr. Kabins in a bad light should be ashamed of yourselfs. Everybody in this country is allowed to have a fair trial by your Constitution. Remember, one day you to may need the services of a brilliant surgeon and Dr. Kabins is that surgeon. Let all of these accusations play out and then make your decision. If anybody is found guilty in this mess then so be it.

    Comment by Craig — March 17, 2008 @ 12:17 pm

37. Mr. Gage was an opposing lawyer in a case I handled for the defendant several years ago. The man is the most dishonest and obnoxious person I’ve ever met. I hope the jury does its job and closely reviews the evidence in the federal corruption trial. This is a guy who demanded $6 million up to jury selection, then dumped the case for a more reasonable amount that was a mere fraction of the demand. His behaviour was always unreasonable and he never hesitated to lie to my face when it suited his purposes. Butter would not melt in his mouth. A real “piece of work,” this guy!

    Comment by Bill — March 17, 2008 @ 3:58 pm

38. Thank you to commentor #23…I knew Howard Awand over 40 years ago, and he was just as slimey then as he is now…only on a smaller scale. I always knew he would end up doing something “big”…illegally, that is! I hope he gets what’s he deserves…and it’s been a long time coming…prison. Everything that comes out of his mouth is garbage. He’s never been in his right mind…trust me…you wouldn’t believe the stories I know about him. I guess it’s true, if you wait long enough, the scum of the earth will get their due. What a creep!

    Comment by Ellen — March 23, 2008 @ 10:36 am

39. In comment to LV DOC 30. Has Dr. Thalgot been treating you? Is this how you formed this ugly opinion? I will have you hear my story. I started seeinng Dr. Thalgot over 3 1/2 years ago, after 1 year of treating me by pain management and exhausting all forms of treatment he performed a MAJOR surgery on me. Almost 2 years post surgery my life has changed, I went from barely walking to being able to walk. I lost my insurance after the surgery, unlike any other Dr. including you I am certain because I was uable to pay my bill I was NOT refused to be seen by him. 2 years later he still sees me. Dr. Thalgot is not only a BRILLIANT surgeon but the most caring Dr. I have met paths with and believe me there are plenty. Another thing where is your code or morality or ethics. Is it common in your practice to insult and downgrade fellow Doctors? Where is your respect?Who gave you that pedistal to sit above all. You are wrong about Thalgot and I know thousands who would and will ALWAYS stand by him and his practice, ne included. Have a great day and do think about showing some respect as I am sure you would appreciate the same.

    Comment by Proudly Thalgot Patient, Brandy — April 15, 2008 @ 8:04 pm

40. I was a juror on the last trial. It was so clear to me as to what went on. I apologize to those victims that we could not get it “right”. I just pray that the next jury will, and Mr. Gage and the “Good Ole’ Boys” will not continue to be able to practice!

    For those of you who were unsure, I hope you are now.

    Comment by Juror — April 21, 2008 @ 6:09 pm

41. As one who has known the Gages for 10 years, I can tell you that Mr. Gage is one of the most ethical, honest men you will ever meet in your life. The fact that he is on trial for doing a good job for Ms. Simon is, frankly, mind-boggling. It’s a shame that the George Knapps of the world (with the help of the Government) is using the media to twist who Mr. Gage really is. Just so you know: He was a man of integrity before this trial and he will be a man of integrity after, no matter what the outcome.

    It’s too bad that those of you who are posting here and judging him haven’t had the honor to meet him. And just a question…since when is being a good attorney a crime!?????

    Comment by One who knows — April 22, 2008 @ 4:03 pm

42. Oh come on #41, I seriously doubt that the words “ethical” or “honest” would pop in the mind of anyone who had to deal with Mr. Gage on a professional level, unless they (perhaps like you) are unsophisticated enough not to recognize a sociopath when they meet one.
    PS - Are you the type who also teaches his children that winning by cheating or manipulation makes them “good” at something?

    Comment by justwhatdoyouknow? — April 23, 2008 @ 8:05 am

43. No, #42, unlike you, I have the ability to see people for who they are based on their how they treat people and what they’ve done in with their life’s work. In his practice, as well as his personal life, Mr. Gage has helped people of all walks of life, and in particular, people who otherwise wouldn’t have the economic wherewithall to defend themselves. You don’t have a successful 40-plus year practice with repeat clients if you are a crook. You need to get your facts straight, justsoyouknow, and stop basing your opinion of someone who you obviously don’t know on what you’ve read. And as far as being “unsophisticated”, I can assure you, I’m sophisticated enough to know that the last thing you should do is convict somebody based on what’s printed in the media, especially one that’s government driven. I guess you believe in the tooth fairy too? Better yet, Santa Claus?? Get a life.

    Comment by One who knows — April 24, 2008 @ 10:44 am

44. Dear One Who Knows (or is this Mr. Gage?): Whatever gave you the idea that I based my comments on what I’ve read in the media or that I don’t know Mr. Gage? Unfortunately for me, I’ve made Mr. Gage’s acquaintence a number of times - none of which were at all pleasant (and I assure you that his belittling demeanor was exactly because he thought I was one of the “little people”). Thanks for the offer to get a life, though. Perhaps if Mr. Gage learns that “what goes round, comes round” after this next trial, I’ll be able to do so with a more positive view of mankind.

    PS - How “successful” is a lawyer’s practice when a jury unanimously finds that he committed fraud, causing him to relocate and rebuild his practice at an age when most “successful” lawyers would be looking toward retirement?

    Comment by justwhatdoyouknow? — April 24, 2008 @ 11:45 am

45. I was referred to Dr. Kabins for back surgery. My husband took me to the appointment. After a 4 hour wait (was seen at 9pm) he entered the room and all I can say is; he is an ignorant flert who gave me the creeps. Needless to say; I have not found a surgeon I trust and after reading the posts I would rather elect to not have surgery.

    Comment by jill — April 24, 2008 @ 5:00 pm

46. “Justwhatdoyouknow”, seriously, if you had a brain you’d be dangerous! I can assure you this is not Mr. Gage submitting these comments because he wouldn’t dignify your diatribe with a response. It’s no wonder your alleged “meetings” with him were unpleasant. You don’t sound like someone who’d be much fun to be around. It’s not much of a picnic listening to you spew your fallacies here. You are so off the mark but I believe the truth will prevail in the next trial. You do realize that the jury was unable to reach a verdict because the government failed to prove its case? Luckily for Mr. Gage, there is a Judge sitting in this matter that not going to stand for any shoddy business, thus being the reason that he was acquitted on the majority of the government’s alleged charges (all without Mr. Gage putting on a defense!)
    But in the end…all you naysayers will see… I just hope you will still be blogging so I can say, emphatically, “I TOLD YOU SO!”

    Comment by onewhokows — April 24, 2008 @ 11:04 pm

47. I, and countless others agree with “onewhoknows!!!” Very well put !! Noel Gage is an aggressive and highly competetent attorney, and one of the few who TRULY CARES about his clients.

    I find it very scary that our American tradition of “Innocent until proven guilty” seems to have disappeared with the SLANTED and BIASED way that certain people in the media report stories replete with MISINFORMATION. This fuels the public’s view that a defendant is guilty …. way before his trial even begins !!! So, for those of you who have been lucky enough to have NEVER BEEN A DEFENDANT …. think about this —-

    Have you ever, in your life, been accused of something you DIDN’T DO? How did it feel? Imagine trying desperately to prove your innocence, when there’s people talking behind your back, telling false (or inflated stories) and convicting you without hearing ALL THE FACTS.

    I thought this type of behavior ended with the witch trials in Salem, MA when they used to burn people alive because the community were convinced they were witches. Luckily for Mr. Gage, they no longer burn people at the stake because of simple ignorance. This witch hunt needs to stop already.

    I think certain people in the media need to take refresher courses in VERIFYING the information they receive before reporting it to the public.

    Comment by Raeann Todd — April 28, 2008 @ 11:36 am

48. Amen, Raeann!

    Comment by One who knows — April 28, 2008 @ 5:04 pm

49. cant get approval to do anything with nevada alternative solutions , thus open claim means nothing after fusion, some one else will see the persistence of the truth ,fricken lobbyists,you might face a quacken bush next with no immunitty…this company nevada alternative solutions should be pulled from there 3rd party ways…who will take care of kabins patients ? is any one is looking for back surgeon look up Dr. Aury Nagy he has everything in his tool box ,Quite a individual , knowledge , courteous , back ,neck and brain friendilly,gentle,on time

    Comment by footprints — April 29, 2008 @ 8:16 pm

50. Immunity , Please pertain to the appeal referenced,as the same centers exclusively on everyone’s interest. Parties will work, to bring this case to an appropriate resolution. All the same,Parties should restrict their roles within their appropriate parameters.Issues currently on appeal. ( WHAT ).Again we the people appreciate the interest in the case against Multiple failures retainers ? from the immunity claimant.la de da earliest convenience.Good Luck Kabins, ( Is This your 1st hearing/appeal lucky )

    Comment by involved — April 30, 2008 @ 5:55 pm

51. I just want to say that we are one of the victims that didnt get any justice. Our lawyers was Bob Vannah and his doctors was Mr. Kabins. I can really say that Mr. Kabins did do my husbands surgery and it successfully help. Unfortunately his lawyers didnt we got so screwed I still can’t comprehend what happened to my husbands case. He was in a roll over on the 95 and the guy that hit him got a ticket and still we got notthing my husband almost got killed and of course the layers didnt see it that way. Mr. Awand was such a big shot and we meet with him for two days at his hotel room and getting my husband and i his wife asking us questions and telling us what to say for the trial. I can’t beleive one night we stayed there almost 12 hours and the next time the same. In fact the first time my husband went there he knok on the hotel room and guest who walked out Mr. Prince and my husband ask Mr. Awand what is he doing here isn’t he the prosecutor. Mr. Awand answer was aaaa- he could’nt answer my husband and after my husband told me who was there I told my husband that was a conflict of intrest. We should have suspect something from there. To make a story short I just want justice for all these lawyers and doctors and prosecutors and even judges to get some justice these people and just playing with our minds and in my husbands case his back. Until today his surgery happend in 2003 he is still suffering and we can’t do notthing. If anyone knows who can help opening his case again please email me d.yorong@yahoo.com
    please Miss. Frustration

    Comment by denise yorong — May 6, 2008 @ 7:06 pm

52. #42 please think twice. He is most likely to be the cause of several debilitating surgeries!!! The Medical Mafia needs to go and pay for what they have done; and maybe so does the Judge that keeps supressing this case!

    Comment by Concerned Person — May 7, 2008 @ 8:31 pm

53. I’m sorry, I’m sorry I was responding to #45. Sorry……..( He ) is Mark Kabins. Big Bear is beautiful this time of the year.

    Comment by Concerned Person — May 7, 2008 @ 8:37 pm

54. Someone tell me how you get a medical degree in 4 years?????????????? OH, PLEASE!!!!!!!!!!! Would you want “that so called Doctor treating you or is it Howard Awand calling the shots”?

    Comment by Concerned Person — May 14, 2008 @ 8:22 pm

RSS feed for comments on this post. TrackBack URL

Leave a comment