Discovery underway in physician assault suit

Discovery is still continuing in a lawsuit alleging a patient was assaulted by the physician she sought treatment from.

As previously reported, Bridge City resident Aletha Jackson filed suit against Dr. Pradip Morbia and Gulf Coast Cardiology Group on April 14 in Jefferson County District Court, claiming she was assaulted during an exam two years ago.

Court records show that one of the last filings in the case was a certificate of written discovery, submitted Sept. 14.

The certificate states that plaintiff's response to defendant's request for disclosure has been served.

The lawsuit alleges that on May 1, 2009, Dr. Morbia examined Jackson and allegedly assaulted her.

The suit does not state what treatment Jackson was seeking, how the alleged assault and battery was committed or what type of injuries Jackson suffered.

The plaintiff is seeking exemplary damages.

Beaumont attorney Brian Sutton of Sutton & Jacobs represents her.

Judge Milton Shuffield, 136th District Court, is assigned to the case.

Case No. D189-782