Patient Claims Doctor Beat Him Up

TACOMA, Wash. (CN) - A man who changed his mind about seeking treatment at the Living & Wellness Centers claims the doctor refused to refund his $420, called him an "alcoholic with a drug problem" in a crowded waiting room, told him to "Get the fuck out" and then threw him over a railing.

Christopher Sakellis sued Dr. Scott Havsy and the Living & Wellness Centers in Pierce County Court.

Sakellis says he was waiting in the center's office "for his family to arrive and help sort out the situation" when Dr. Havsy "began yelling and screaming" and called 911.

"When the 911 operator asked Dr. Havsy why Mr. Sakellis was refusing to leave, Dr. Havsy responded, 'I have no idea.' The 911 operator inquired further with Dr. Havsy responded, 'it wouldn't matter.' (sic) The 911 operator informed Dr. Havsy that it did matter. After a long pause, Dr. Havsy threatened to physically remove Mr. Sakellis," according to the complaint.

The complaint continues: "During Dr. Havsy's second call to the 911 operator Dr. Havsy threatened to assault Mr. Sakellis, stating, 'I want to remove him physically. I will have to use force.' Mr. Sakellis continued to peacefully wait in the waiting room for his family.

"Dr. Havsy began yelling at Mr. Sakellis in the waiting room with other people there stating, 'You are an alcoholic with a drug problem.' Dr. Havsy continued, 'I abuse drug dealers, my God I think that is heroic.'

"The 911 operator asked Dr. Havsy if he was armed in any way. Dr. Havsy responded, 'That is for the police to find out when they get here.' The 911 operator asked again if Dr. Havsy was armed and Dr. Havsy refused to answer the 911 operator. Dr. Havsy continued, 'If I have to go remove him, I will throw him physically out of here.' After an argument with the 2nd 911 operator, Dr. Havsy stated, 'Fine, I will handle it my own way.'

"The 911 operator was then able to hear a physical altercation ensue and a loud slam occur in the background. Dr. Havsy can be heard in the background yelling, 'Get the fuck out.' When asked what happened, Havsy's receptionist replied, 'Dr. Havsy physically removed the client.'

"Dr. Havsy 'physically removed' Christopher Sakellis by grabbing him and throwing him over railing outside of the office door. Mr. Sakellis was slammed to the ground and suffered physical injury as a result.

"Dr. Havsy returned to the phone and the 911 operator once again asked Dr. Havsy, 'What are you armed with?' Dr. Havsy replied, 'My hands.'

"A third 911 call was placed by Dr. Havsy's office as Christopher Sakellis waited outside the office for his family after Dr. Havsy assaulted and battered Mr. Sakellis. During the third call, the 911 operator asked Dr. Havsy's receptionist 'What was the problem?' Dr. Havsy's receptionist responded 'He [Sakellis] was being an ass. Wanted his money back, didn't want to be seen, Dr. Havsy wouldn't let him. He just decided he didn't want to be treated but he wouldn't leave.' The receptionist stated that Mr. Sakellis was 'waiting for his ride.' (Brackets in complaint.)

Sakellis claims: "Dr. Havsy engaged in extreme and outrageous conduct by physically assaulting a patient at his medical office in front of other patients. Dr.

Havsy broke his oath as a medical professional to do no harm and physically beat a patient so that he would not have to provide a $420 refund. Dr. Havsy also violated healthcare privacy law by disclosing a health condition of Mr. Sakellis in front of patients sitting in the waiting room."

Sakellis claims that in 1999 the state of Washington suspended Havsy's license for 5 years after finding that he had "fraudulently billed, intimidated and threatened his patients."

Sakellis seeks punitive damages for assault, battery, emotional distress, and invasion of privacy. He also wants his $420 back.

He is represented by Darrell Cochran with Pfau Cochran Vertetis Kosnoff of Tacoma.

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