A Minnesota neurologist is suing a patient's relative for defamation after he published a negative review online, and the case is now pending before the Minnesota Supreme Court, according to a Star Tribune report.
David McKee, MD, of Duluth, treated Dennis Laurion's father roughly two years ago. Unimpressed with the physician's bedside manner, Mr. Laurion wrote a disapproving review on a rate-your-physician website.
Dr. McKee sued Mr. Laurion for defamation, making him one of a small number of physicians who have gone to court over online criticism. Dr. McKee's attorney said his client had no choice but to protect his practice and professional reputation. "It's like removing graffiti from a wall," Marshall Tanick, JD, said in the report. Dr. McKee has reportedly already spent more than $7,000 in attempts to clear the Internet of negative comments, most of which are linked to a single IP address.
Mr. Laurion's attorney is defending the postings, saying Mr. Laurion's perception of the physician's behavior is constitutionally protected.
Minnesota courts have shown mixed reactions so far, as a district court dismissed Dr. McKee's suit last year but the state Appeals Court reinstated it in January. Mr. Laurion has now appealed to the state Supreme Court.
New Hampshire Bill Lets Providers Make "Early Offers" to Avoid Malpractice Suits
Florida Physician Allegedly Used Patient Records to Market Services
David McKee, MD, of Duluth, treated Dennis Laurion's father roughly two years ago. Unimpressed with the physician's bedside manner, Mr. Laurion wrote a disapproving review on a rate-your-physician website.
Dr. McKee sued Mr. Laurion for defamation, making him one of a small number of physicians who have gone to court over online criticism. Dr. McKee's attorney said his client had no choice but to protect his practice and professional reputation. "It's like removing graffiti from a wall," Marshall Tanick, JD, said in the report. Dr. McKee has reportedly already spent more than $7,000 in attempts to clear the Internet of negative comments, most of which are linked to a single IP address.
Mr. Laurion's attorney is defending the postings, saying Mr. Laurion's perception of the physician's behavior is constitutionally protected.
Minnesota courts have shown mixed reactions so far, as a district court dismissed Dr. McKee's suit last year but the state Appeals Court reinstated it in January. Mr. Laurion has now appealed to the state Supreme Court.
More Articles on Physicians and Lawsuits:
Surgeon Sues University of Missouri for Alleged Breach of ContractNew Hampshire Bill Lets Providers Make "Early Offers" to Avoid Malpractice Suits
Florida Physician Allegedly Used Patient Records to Market Services