Ruth
The plaintiff in a defamation suit against an Alton hospital and its employees wants to keep his claims going in the face of a motion to dismiss.
Plaintiff John Doe filed suit earlier this year claiming rumors started by his co-workers and his sexual orientation led to his firing last year.
Doe filed his response to the motion to dismiss Oct. 8.
No hearing date on the motion is set at this time.
Doe is suing Saint Anthony's, Kathyrn Hartmann, and other staffers for damages in excess of $50,000, costs and other relief.
Doe claims that Hartmann started rumors that he inappropriately touched an unconscious male patient.
Those rumors, the plaintiff contends, led to his firing by the hospital last year.
The Illinois Department of Financial and Professional Regulation (IDFPR), which governs nurses' conduct, exonerated Doe.
Doe also claims that the hospital discriminated against him based on his sexual orientation.
The defendants are moving to dismiss the suit claiming that the plaintiff hasn't met the legal standard needed to keep his suit going.
The defense has also argued that the proceedings before the IDFPR are priviledged.
In his response Doe argues that privilege is not absolute because the statements weren't made in court hearings.
Madison County Circuit Judge Dennis Ruth presides.
Doe is represented by Jacqueline Brandenburg-Rees and Bob Perica.
The defendants are represented by Jill Luft, Edward Bott and Melanie Renken.
The case is Madison case number 10-L-370.