John F. Kennedy's nephew has filed a lawsuit against two hospital nurses following a scuffle at a New York medical centre last year (12).

Douglas Kennedy, the son of U.S. Senator Robert F. Kennedy, was accused of child endangerment and harassment last January (07Jan12) after he tried to take his two-day-old baby, Bo, out of the maternity ward at Northern Westchester Hospital to get some fresh air.

Employees Cari Luciano and Anna Lane claimed he hurt them as they attempted to stop him from leaving, but a judge cleared Kennedy of any wrongdoing during a hearing in November (12).

And now the 45 year old and his wife Molly have launched a legal battle against the nurses, alleging Luciano and Lane damaged the couple's reputation and caused emotional distress. The papers, filed at the State Supreme Court in White Plains last week (04Jan12), indicate the couple is seeking unspecified damages for defamation and malicious prosecution, according to the New York Times.

Meanwhile, the nurses are currently suing Kennedy for $200,000 (£125,000) for assault and battery, among other charges.