Jane Doe files battery suit against physician

A woman identified as Jane Doe claims her physician allegedly battered her by improperly touching her breasts and vaginal area while she sought treatment for a sinus infection.

According to a civil suit filed Sept. 4 in St. Clair County Circuit Court, Doe initially sought care from Thomas F. Tse, M.D. on Jan. 4.

"On that date, the defendant examined the plaintiff's eyes, ears and nose," the complaint states. "The defendant also checked the plaintiff's heart and performed blood testing."

The patient was diagnosed with a sinus infection, was prescribed medication and advised to have x-rays of her head and chest at Quest Diagnostics, the complaint states.

Doe returned to the defendant's office on Jan. 5 and after another examination was advised to return if she did not have improvement of her sinus infection.

"Plaintiff thereafter appeared at defendant's office the following day, Saturday, January 6, 2007, as a 'walk-in' appointment," the complaint states.

The suit claims the alleged battery was committed during a Jan. 6 examination.

"[P]laintiff has sustained pain and suffering, mental anguish, humiliation and embarrassment, requiring the plaintiff to seek psychological treatment and incur the reasonable and necessary costs associated with same."

Represented by Robert H. Gregory of East Alton, Doe is seeking in excess of $100,000 in compensatory and punitive damages.