DULUTH, Minn. (AP) – A judge has dismissed a lawsuit filed by a Duluth neurologist who claimed he was defamed by a patient’s son who criticized the doctor’s bedside manner.

Dr. David McKee alleged in his lawsuit that Dennis Laurion of Duluth made false statements about McKee’s treatment of Laurion’s father to the American Academy of Neurology, St. Luke’s Hospital, colleagues and others. The lawsuit said Laurion alleged McKee failed to treat his father with dignity following a stroke and told him he didn’t need therapy.

McKee tells the Duluth News Tribune that Laurion is “a liar and a bully and a coward.” McKee says he hasn’t decided whether he will appeal Judge Eric Hylden’s ruling. The judge said Laurion’s statements as a whole were not defamatory, but rather “an emotional discussion of the issues.”

Laurion says the lawsuit has been stressful for his whole family and he’s grateful the judge found no need for a trial.

(© Copyright 2011 The Associated Press. All Rights Reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten or redistributed.)