Defamed doctor awarded $450,000 but unlikely to see a cent
Dr Warwick Nettle's former patient set out to damage his "exceptional" reputation but disappeared after the Sydney-based plastic surgeon started legal proceedings.
A highly respected plastic surgeon has been awarded $450,000 after a patient he refused to operate on unleashed a series of “virulent” internet attacks that damaged his reputation.
But Dr Warwick Nettle is unlikely to receive a cent as the patient, who didn’t take part in the proceedings, can’t be found, the Federal Court of Australia said after awarding the damages last week.
The Sydney-based doctor had an “exceptional” online reputation and was known for being an ethical and careful surgeon prior to consulting with Catherine Cruse, the court said.
He made a “professionally appropriate and justifiable decision” not to go ahead with planned surgery after he was cautioned against operating on Ms Cruse by another doctor who had treated her.
