Continuous Trauma [Paperback]

Michael Eric Stein (Author)

Book Description

Publication Date: October 15, 2001

'Continuous Trauma' is very much its own fusion of gripping legal suspense drama and revelatory journalism. The book's expose of critical public health issues -- specifically the fraud, corruption, and 'people-dumping' in the massive Southern California workers compensation system -- is combined with a deeply felt and artistically realised story of the personal transformation of young lawyer Charlie Solomon. Although the work is fiction, it is based on actual cases drawn from the California Workers Compensation system. This is the first novel set against the Kafkaesque world of workers' compensation, and a must read for anyone that has to deal with the 'System'. Author Stein gives the reader some brutally honest insights into the workings of the system that would be useful to anyone who has to cope with filing a claim.

Editorial Reviews

Review

Stein has written a legal thriller...of the California workers compensation system... exposing a wrong... many people are not aware. -- The Honolulu Advertiser, March 9,

About the Author

Michael Eric Stein has written episodes for television shows such as MIAMI VICE and TRUE BLUE, and a television movie, HIGHER GROUND, for CBS. He has also been a journalist and movie critic for Copley News, The Los Angeles Times, and Films in Review. This is his first novel.

Product Details

• Paperback: 342 pages
• Publisher: Doctor Leisure (October 15, 2001)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 1887471286
• ISBN-13: 978-1887471282
• Product Dimensions: 8.8 x 6.1 x 1.1 inches
• Shipping Weight: 1.2 pounds (View shipping rates and policies)
• Average Customer Review: 4.5 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (6 customer reviews)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #3,343,666 in Books (See Top 100 in Books)

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Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

2 of 2 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars A Well Crafted Legal and Psychological Thriller, October 18, 2002

By 

Paul G. Gaston (Washington, DC United States) - See all my reviews

This review is from: Continuous Trauma (Paperback)

This novel is a diamond in the rough. It grabbed my attention from the first page and held it to the last. It tells the story of a workers' compensation lawyer in California who is used to defending his clients--employers and their insurance companies--from what he has come to think of as generally meritless claims by injured workers. Until one day he is forced to confront an explosive situation in a routine hearing gone bad, and finds himself on the short side of the same claims process he has so successfully used to defend his clients. The novel gives the reader an in-depth look at the flaws and corruption of the California workers' comp system, but this is just a backdrop for an excellent tale of intrigue and personal growth. The writing is vivid, clean, and imaginative. The author displays an almost casual fluidity and adroitness with language. Highly recommended.

1 of 1 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars a total page turner, June 15, 2005

By 

California Kathleen "California Kathleen" (California) - See all my reviews

This review is from: Continuous Trauma (Paperback)

Couldn't put this book down from the moment I started reading. The pages practically turned themselves. Haven't had that kind of experience since "Jaws". The situations are so real, the characters compelling, the writing fresh and exciting. I found myself "casting the movie". It would make a great film.

1 of 1 people found the following review helpful:

4.0 out of 5 stars Looking at another side of worker's comp, June 8, 2002

By 

Patricia D. Minter (Washington, DC United States) - See all my reviews

This review is from: Continuous Trauma (Paperback)

This was a fascinating,easy read with clearly a lot of research on the author's part regarding the law on workman's comp. You really relate to the people involved and the pages turn easily...waiting to see what happens next.
After working on the employer side of workman's comp, and seeing the advantages taken by employees, this was a real eye opener relating to the other side.
You never imagine what can happen until it happens to you and what a SURPRISE ENDING...this book would make an excellent movie. I can already visualize the stars who would make this an Academy award.
It's a MUST read for the summer and hopefully, look for a future movie. You won't put it down once you start.