CHICAGO — An 18-year veteran Chicago Police officer has accused a physician of making false allegations that he was abusing prescription drugs, affecting his professional and personal reputation.
Eric Helson filed a complaint on Aug. 3 in Cook County Circuit Court against David Dionisio, alleging the doctor signed an affidavit claiming he was showing signs of prescription medication abuse or dependency.
The plaintiff alleges, between August 25, 2017, and March 13, 2018, he went to Family Care Associates of Chicago medical facility for treatment of severe lower back pain after falling while playing basketball in July 2017.
He alleges he was seen by the defendant, yet the doctor allegedly insinuated Helson was only treated to receive pain medication and not because of his injury, according to the complaint. Plaintiff had sought several medical treatments prior to the Aug. 25 visit.
The doctor stated in his medical records: Patient is "demonstrating red flags for potential drug-seeking behavior." Helson was placed on a medical roll at his work as a result of the defendant's allegation contained in a signed and sworn affidavit, according to the complaint.
All medical evaluations showed no drug dependency and that he was fit to work and return to his normal duties, according to court documents.
Helson alleges he has suffered injuries to his personal and professional reputation, shame, mortification and injury to his family's reputation.
The plaintiff alleges Dionisio published statements in the medical record and in the signed and sworn affidavit that were written with common law malice, or ill will toward Helson in an attempt to have him fired from his employment and ruin his reputation.
The plaintiff requests a trial by jury and seeks actual and punitive damages of more than $50,000 plus suit costs. He is represented by Richard A. Duffin and Sean B. Dore of Duffin & Dore LLC in Orland Park.
Cook County Circuit Court Case number 2018L008412