CHICAGO – An unnamed Cook County man is suing a Chicago hospital, alleging it involuntarily admitted him, initially denying him access to family or his attorney, when he came to the emergency room with suicidal thoughts.
John Doe filed a lawsuit Dec. 7 in Cook County Circuit Court against Signature Healthcare Services LLC, doing business as Chicago Lakeshore Hospital, Dr. M.P. Nguyen, and licensed practical nurse Erin Hoffman, alleging false imprisonment and infliction of emotional distress.
According to the complaint, on Dec. 6, 2013, Doe came to Lakeshore on the advice of his clinical psychologist for a mental health evaluation. After a registered nurse and others evaluated him, the suit says, he was admitted against his wishes and held for the next three days.
The suit states after Nguyen evaluated the plaintiff with his attorney present, she ruled he was not a danger to himself or others, but ordered him held until his release Dec. 9, 2013.
Doe seeks damages of more than $50,000. He is represented by attorney Nicholas M. Bigoness of the Law Office of Nicholas M. Bigoness in Oak Brook.
Cook County Circuit Court Case number 2015-L-012331.