By Associated Press, 7/30/2003

LAS VEGAS -- Aristotelis Belavilas got so fed up waiting three hours to see his doctor that he left and headed for his lawyer.

Belavilas, 58, sued Dr. Ty Weller for $5,000, saying he wanted to teach him a lesson about treating patients with respect. A small claims court in Las Vegas this month awarded Belavilas $250.

"My time is worth something just like his is," Belavilas said.

Weller, a pain management specialist, said he was "appalled" by the outcome.

"Even more important than the money is that now I have to worry about other patients doing this to me," the doctor said.

Weller said he was overbooked the February day he scheduled Belavilas for a back pain injection, but said he was trying to accommodate Belavilas before the patient left on vacation.

"I can't hurry a patient along who needs my attention just to be on time," Weller said.

Belavilas said his appointment was for 2 p.m., but Weller didn't show up until 5:15 p.m.

The doctor "didn't say he was sorry and that he was with another patient or that he had gotten a flat tire," Belavilas said. "Nothing."

Weller said he'll appeal the decision. He's been ordered to pay a total of $365 to cover Belavilas' judgment and court fees.