Wilson
Quest Diagnostics, Inc. has a new lead attorney in a suit filed by a woman claiming that a former Quest employee revealed the results of the plaintiff's sexually transmitted disease (STD) tests to a man both women were romantically involved with.
Quest filed the motion seeking the substitution July 11.
Madison County Circuit Judge William Mudge granted the move allowing Susan Bassford Wilson to become lead counsel in the case.
Plaintiff Jane Doe is seeking damages in excess of $50,000 a count and other relief in the suit.
Doe claims that Maureen Sackmann, a former Quest employee, revealed Doe's positive herpes test results to a man referenced as John Doe in court documents.
Both Sackmann and Jane Doe were romantically involved with John Doe.
The plaintiff seeks to hold Quest liable as Sackmann's employer at the time of the incident.
The defendants deny the claims.
Last month, Mudge denied a move filed by Sackmann that, if granted, would have included
John Doe in the suit as a counter-defendant.
Currently, there are moves filed by Doe seeking sanctions, a contempt finding, and for leave to file her amended complaint.
Those filings are currently sealed.
Mudge entered a protective order in September 2010 at the plaintiff's behest following media attention to the case.
Media outlets that have covered the suit include The Madison County Record, Alton Telegraph, and St. Louis-based television news programs.
L. Allison McKeel and Robert Bernstein also are listed as Quest attorneys.
Michael Schwade represents Sackmann.
Emily Johnson represents Jane Doe.
The case is Madison case number 10-L-031.