In a Thursday, April 12, 2012 file photo, Douglas Kennedy, right, son of the late Sen. Robert F. Kennedy, arrives early to a locked door at village court in Mount Kisco, N.Y. Kennedy is in court Monday, Oct. 22, 2012 in Mount Kisco, N.Y on charges of physical harassment and child endangerment for trying to take his newborn son out of a hospital without permission on Jan. 7. A New York prosecutor says Kennedy kicked a nurse to the floor as he tried to take his newborn son out of a hospital. But a defense lawyer says Douglas Kennedy acted instinctively to protect the baby. AP/The Journal News, Xavier Mascareñas
NEW YORK – Two nurses have filed suit against a son of the late Robert F. Kennedy over a fracas that ensued when they tried to stop him taking his newborn son out of a hospital for fresh air, his lawyer said.
Douglas Kennedy’s attorney Michael Bono said the lawsuit would fail. “My client categorically denies all of the allegations,” he told AFP.
The suit, alleging negligence, assault and battery, and emotional distress, was filed by Cari Luciano and Anna Lane in White Plains near New York City and seeks $200,000, the local Journal News reported.
The legal action on Tuesday came days after a criminal court judge acquitted Kennedy on harassment and child endangerment charges filed in the same case, which dates back to January 7.
Kennedy wanted to take his baby outside briefly but was confronted by nurses who said he had no right under hospital policy to remove the newborn. A brief scuffle ensued, during which the nurses said they were injured.
“The same allegations were made – and rejected – in the criminal court case where Mr Kennedy was acquitted. I expect my client will be exonerated in this civil case as well,” Bono said.
Lawyers for the nurses could not be immediately reached for comment.