HOUSTON (CN) - An oncologist claims that his longtime attorney harassed and threatened him repeatedly after he discharged him.
Dr. Mark D'Andrea and his practice, Gulf Coast Oncology Associates and Gulf Coast Cancer & Diagnostic Center, sued Charles Carr in Harris County Court.
D'Andrea claims Gulf Coast retained Carr as an independent contractor from 2005 until August 2012.
"On or about November 8, 2012, plaintiff D'Andrea began receiving a series of electronic communications from Carr which are harassing and threatening," the complaint states. "In said communications, Carr states that more electronic communications similar to the ones at issue will be sent to D'Andrea over the next few weeks.
"The electronic communications, along with the corresponding attachments, reveal that Carr possesses sensitive information related to corporate and legal matters, and there is danger he possesses additional documents.
"Carr has badgered D'Andrea almost daily since Carr launched his first electronic communication on November 8, 2012, including leaving a message on D'Andrea's personal cellular telephone.
"The communications threaten harm and embarrassment to the plaintiff and his family."
D'Andrea claims he is not the only target of Carr's harassment.
"Carr has also recently attempted to contact personnel retained by Gulf Coast and has even badgered personnel retained by Gulf Coast over the telephone," the complaint states.
"Further, on November 7, 2012, the day before the first electronic communication was sent to plaintiff, Carr unexpectedly visited the law office of plaintiff's general counsel and demanded to visit with her.
"Due to Carr's hostile and unstable appearance and mannerisms, counsel's assistant declined the visit."
D'Andrea claims that after Carr's "severance," he discovered that the attorney had not maintained his license with the State Bar of Texas for 10 years "due to his failure to complete the minimum requirements for continuing legal education."
In fact, D'Andrea claims, Carr let his license lapse despite asking for, and receiving, compensation from Gulf Coast to attend continuing legal education seminars.
D'Andrea seeks a restraining order and damages for breach of contract, invasion of privacy, negligence and fraud.
He claims that if not restrained, Carr could destroy Gulf Coast's practice.
"Furthermore, the release of the harassing and badgering statements will result in plaintiffs having to spend large amounts of money to disprove the lies made public by defendant in order to protect their medical practice," the complaint states.
D'Andrea is represented by Marilyn Stefahides with The Vilandos Firm.
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