A Belleville doctor is suing another St. Clair County doctor for allegedly spreading false rumors about him.
Dr. Joseph Shumway filed a lawsuit June 18 in St. Clair County Circuit Court against Dr. Charles Robacker and Southern Illinois Health Care Foundation.
Dr. Shumway was working for St. Elizabeth's Hospital in June 2012 when Dr. Robacker allegedly wrote a note to his colleagues saying, "St. Elizabeth's has either fired or de-credentialed Dr. Shumway as of 1700 this afternoon."
Dr. Shumway says that statement was false and contends Dr. Robacker knew it to be untrue.
Dr. Shumway alleges his professional reputation was damaged by the falsehood and accuses Dr. Robacker and his employer, Southern Illinois Health Care Foundation, of slander. He asks for an unspecified amount of money in damages plus court costs.
Attorneys James E. DeFranco and Darrell J. Flesner of Fairview Heights represent Dr. Shumway. They request a jury trial.
St. Clair County Circuit Court Case No. 13-L-301
Doctor accuses fellow practicioner of spreading false rumors
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