Physicians accused of engineering lawsuit

CHICAGO, July 21 (UPI) -- A leading University of Illinois surgeon says his criticism of staff physicians prompted them to retaliate by arranging a "meritless" lawsuit against him.

Dr. Herand Abcarian charges in a federal complaint he was the target of a wrongful-death action that was settled without his knowledge, The Chicago Sun-Times reported Monday.

Abcarian said in 2005 he forwarded a letter to his employer, the University of Illinois at Chicago Medical Center, from an attorney representing the family of a man in a wrongful-death lawsuit.

Abcarian charges a conspiracy ensued by a panel of staff physicians at the center that resulted in a nearly $1 million settlement in the case. No evidence was presented to exonerate him.

A second lawsuit was then filed but he was never notified. He said the suit was "meritless" and dismissed with prejudice but he never was able to present any evidence clearing his name.

Abcarian says he frequently criticized staff decisions and policies at the medical center, apparently creating enmity.