Former Gila Regional Physician Awarded $1.8M in Suit Alleging Reputation Damage

A jury has awarded $1.8 million to a former physician at Gila Regional Medical Center in Silver City, N.M., finding the hospital unlawfully damaged his professional reputation and violated his right to a fair proceeding, according to a Silver City News report.

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Chinonyerem Osuagwu, MD, began practicing obstetrics and gynecology at the hospital in February 2008. The suit claims in November of that year, he was accused of puncturing the bowels of two patients during laparoscopic procedures, and the hospital’s medical executive committee ultimately suspended him indefinitely without proving the allegations were true or following the procedures outlined in the hospital’s bylaws, according to the report.

The suit states the reputational damage caused by the incident was such that Dr. Osuagwu could not find other employment in the area. The settlement includes compensation for past and future lost earnings, mental anguish and injury to Dr. Osuagwu’s career and reputation, according to the report.

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