How do I handle this situation?

Last week I received an email from the secretary of the partner who I used to work for at my old firm. She was quite nasty in the email, and insinuated that I had lost medical records for a file.

The history of this woman - she's lazy as all hell, never does work, and always loses things.

Now, the office has a filing room, but only one filing person who is a 16 year old, who also happens to be pregnant, and would mis-file records ALL THE TIME.

I emailed her back last week and told her I don't have the records, and that they are in one of three places:

1- either attached to a summary I drafted for the partner, and sitting in his office somewhere

2- in a pile of "to be filed" papers that I left at my desk, or

3 - misfiled

I didn't hear back from her until today - she sent me ANOTHER email cc:ing the partner, the filing person, and the new attorney working on the case, demanding to know where I placed the medical records.

Most of you know my history with this firm - I left with some bitterness, and this is only adding to it. I am seriously offended that they are blaming this on me, when I was meticulous about my files and made sure I left everything in order, and with no loose ends. I made sure ALL of my cases were wrapped up and drafted a 10 page case status memo for their reference.

So, how do I handle this? My first instinct is to write back something nasty, but I know I shouldn't, so I won't, but mannnnnnn, I really want to!

How should I handle this?

Re: How do I handle this situation?

Sorry, you don't work there anymore?

If they want your help with something, help them but then submit an invoice for consultation fees.

Re: How do I handle this situation?

I would forward your email from last week to everyone she included this time and say something like "I guess this message didn't go through last week. Check in these three places, and I'll keep brainstorming to see if I can think of anywhere else to look."

Re: How do I handle this situation?

I would send her back the exact same email that you sent her last week. I would add that you do not have the files and they need to explore the possibilities that you suggested. I would also ask that you not be contacted regarding this matter any further because it is a waste of everyone's time and it needs to be explored internally by them.

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You don't work there anymore. This isn't your problem. Tell them you want to be paid for taking the time to even think about this.

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Re: How do I handle this situation?

I love your responses!

I think I'll forward her last week's email and tell her to pursue those ideas, and otherwise, I cannot tell them where the records are, as I do not have them, and am no longer in the office.

I AM SO GLAD I DO NOT WORK THERE ANYMORE!

Re: How do I handle this situation?

I totally agree with all of the responses.

If she keeps harassing you by email then block her.

Re: How do I handle this situation?

Message edited 5/18/2007 10:11:48 AM.

Re: How do I handle this situation?

If you dont work for the company anymore, they should NOT be calling you for any reason whatsoever!


You did your job. Whether they believe you or not is their problem - not yours. You offered your help as to directing them to where the records could be- THAT IMHO, is more then enough. Let them deal with it.

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i agree that it's absurd you are beign contacted about this. i like the idea of sending the previous email to that group of people she has now cc'd. i would not get nasty. though you don't like these people - i believe in not burning professional bridges. you never know when you might need something from them, like a reference, or have future work interactions with any of those people.

Re: How do I handle this situation?

Now that we got out all the how you SHOULD handle it...let's talk about how you WANT to handle it.


tell her "Go effing look for it ya beyotch"

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Re: How do I handle this situation?

Posted by DebG

Now that we got out all the how you SHOULD handle it...let's talk about how you WANT to handle it.


tell her "Go effing look for it ya beyotch"

Re: How do I handle this situation?

Ok, well, this is what I sent - I think I was neutral enough and masked my complete annoyance and anger sufficiently:

"Hello Colleen,

Unfortunately, as we discussed last week, I cannot tell you where the records might be - I do recall reviewing the records, and drafting a summary for Tom. I also recall that the records were quite sparse - maybe a page or two, and in all likelihood, I attached them to the summary I submitted to Tom. So, they are probably either somewhere in Tom's office, or misfiled in another file.

I'm sorry I can't help you further with this - if you need my assistance with anything else, please let me know."

Re: How do I handle this situation?

Posted by Bxgell2

Posted by DebG

Now that we got out all the how you SHOULD handle it...let's talk about how you WANT to handle it.


tell her "Go effing look for it ya beyotch"

Please can I tell her that? PRETTY PLEASE?!

Re: How do I handle this situation?

I think you handled it properly and you knew how to handle it from the start. Strick to your guns. you know you took care of the file prperly and they are trying to blame their ineptitude on you.

You were also too nice. I would not have offered additinal assistance to these people

Re: How do I handle this situation?

would further assistance mean
putting your foot up her azz?
or
showing her her elbow and her azz and teaching her the difference.

either way, that seems like assistance enough to me