Ruth
Madison County Circuit Judge Dennis Ruth has recently resolved some discovery disputes in a former nurse's defamation of character suit against Saint Anthony's Hospital and his former co-workers.
Ruth entered an order Feb. 4 in the suit brought by plaintiff John Doe.
In the order, the judge set down guidelines about depositions in the suit and how long Doe has to file an amended complaint.
Doe is seeking damages in excess of $50,000 per count and other relief.
Doe claims that a co-worker, defendant Kathryn Hartmann, spread rumors that he touched an unconscious male patient inappropriately.
The plaintiff was later exonerated of the charges by the state regulatory body covering nurses.
Those rumors, the plaintiff claims, coupled with his sexual orientation, led to his firing by the hospital.
Doe dropped some of his claims last year.
The plaintiff has 45 days following discovery depositions to file his amended complaint.
The defendants have moved to dismiss the suit.
Bob Perica represents the plaintiff.
Jill Luft heads the defense.
The case is Madison case number 10-L-370.