MARSHALL – An East Texas urologist denied a paraplegic man service because the latter is a plaintiff in a racial discrimination lawsuit filed against a company owned by the doctor’s son-in-law, according to a federal lawsuit submitted on May 9.
Derrick Roberts asserts that Dr. Donald Wickoff refused to treat him after learning from his daughter, a nurse practitioner at his office, about the case. The litigation allegedly listed the nurse practitioner’s husband’s sanitation business as a defendant.
Court documents state that despite the seriousness of Roberts’s condition, Wickoff neglected to fulfill his obligations and duties under Title VI.
Roberts, who is black, alleges the physician admitted to declining to see a patient based on their race. Wickoff was the lone urologist in the Paris metropolitan area who could help the plaintiff, the original petition says.
The suit adds the complainant’s condition worsened because of Wickoff’s supposed actions.
Paris Regional Medical Center; RegionalCare Hospital Partners, Inc.; and Paris Health Care Group are co-defendants in the suit.
Consequently, Roberts seeks unspecified monetary damages.
Jay D. Ellwanger of Ellwanger Law, LLLP in Austin serves as his lead counsel.
Marshall Division of the Eastern District of Texas Case No. 2:18-CV-0191