DOCTOR'S FAMILY SUES PSYCHIATRIST

PORTLAND, Ore. (AP) -- The family of a Lake Oswego doctor who
committed suicide nearly three years ago is suing his psychiatrist for
$3.5 million, claiming the death could have been prevented.

Dr. Richard K. Dickson, who died Oct. 28, 1995, was addicted to drugs
and had been suicidal for some time, according to the lawsuit filed
Wednesday in Multnomah County Circuit Court.

The lawsuit claims Dickson's psychiatrist, Dr. John Lingas, provided
care that was below the standard of a reasonable psychiatrist and was
a "substantial factor" in causing Dickson's death.

Dickson was a patient of Lingas' from 1988 until about three weeks
before his death. The lawsuit says Lingas should have hospitalized
Dickson in 1994 or 1995 and required him to undergo drug testing.

Dickson, who was 41 when he died, ran a general medical practice and
also worked in Legacy Emanuel Hospital's emergency room.

Dickson's widow, Laura Wallace-Dickson, is seeking $3 million in lost
earnings, $500,000 for loss of companionship and $7,500 for funeral
expenses.

The Dicksons' two children are now 11 and 15 years old.

Mrs. Dickson's lawyer, Timothy J. Jones, said he did want to comment
beyond the court documents. Lingas was out of the office Thursday and
could not be reached for comment.

Checked-by: Patrick Henry