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Date: 12-17-2011
Case Style: Dr. Albert Carlotti and Dr. Michelle Cabret-Carlotti v. Sherry Petta
Case Number:
Judge:
Court: Superior Court, Maricopa County, Arizona
Plaintiff's Attorney: Matthew Kelly, Kelly McCoy, PLC, Phoenix, Arizona
Defendant's Attorney: Derron Woodfork, Scottsdale, Arizona
Description: Dr. Albert Carlotti and Dr. Michelle Cabret-Carlotti sued Sherry Petta on defamation theories claiming that Petta portrayed them in a false light by posting critical Internet reviews of their Desert Palm Surgical Group medical practice and aired multiple complaints with the Arizona Medical Board. Defendant had cosmetic surgery performed in 2007 and developed a serious skin infection that she claimed disrupted her life.
Petta set up a website to air her grievances against Plaintiffs, which she was ordered to take down by the court.
The Plaintiffs that Petta’s critical Internet postings included false information and harmed their medical practice, contributing to a steep drop in the number of patients seeking cosmetic procedures.
The defenses asserted by Defendant are not available. (Normally truth is the only defense to a slander claim.)
Outcome: Plaintiffs' verdict for $12 million.
Plaintiff's Experts:
Defendant's Experts:
Comments: Editor's Note: This verdict, if rendered to judgment, is not collectible.