ARIZONA NEWS

Arizona jury awards $8 million to doctor wrongfully blamed for death

Jul 26, 2018, 2:40 PM | Updated: Jul 27, 2018, 9:30 am

(Pexels Photo)...

(Pexels Photo)

(Pexels Photo)

PHOENIX – A jury verdict of $8 million, believed to be the highest in Mohave County history, was awarded to an Arizona doctor who had been wrongfully accused of causing a patient’s death.

A Superior Court jury in Kingman on Wednesday awarded $6,232,000 in compensatory damages and $1,768,000 in punitive damages to the plaintiff, Dr. Arnaldo Trabucco, according to court records.

Trabucco had sued Jeffrey A. Cogan, his law firm and the family of the patient who died, Gerald Scharf. The jury assessed the damages against Cogan and his law firm, but not against the family.

Phoenix law firm Wilenchik & Bartness, which represented Trabucco, said it searched records and couldn’t find a higher verdict in Mohave County. The next highest award found was for $1.25 million in a 2010 medical malpractice case.

Cogan, who is based in Las Vegas, had previously sued Trabucco for causing Scharf’s death. A federal jury found that Scharf died of natural causes, Trubucco’s lawyers said.

Trabucco then sued Cogan and the Scharf family, seeking damages for harm to his reputation, loss of earnings, emotional distress and defense costs.

Trabucco’s lawyers said the board-certified urologist had never committed malpractice over his 28-year career. They said even Scharf’s wife, who had hired Cogan, didn’t think the doctor was responsible.

Jack Wilenchik of Wilenchik & Bartness said he wouldn’t be surprised if the ruling is appealed.

We want to hear from you.

Have a story idea or tip? Pass it along to the KTAR News team here.

Arizona News

(AZ511 Photo)...

KTAR.com

Eastbound Loop 202 closed for multi-car crash leaving 1 dead

Authorities closed eastbound traffic on the Loop 202 near 32nd Street early Sunday after a pedestrian was struck and killed by a car.

1 hour ago

Mesa College Promise program gets $25K to help STEM students...

Serena O'Sullivan

Mesa College Promise program gets $25K from Google Fiber to support STEM students

A new grant from Google Fiber could help STEM students in Mesa through a new $25,000 donation, officials said Friday.

3 hours ago

(Jopwell Photo/via Pexels)...

Kim Komando

Smart tech life hacks Arizona workers should use to save time and stay safe

I got a text from a number I felt I should have known not long ago, but it wasn’t saved in my phone. There’s a smart trick I used to find it.

3 hours ago

Heritage Marketplace is a new development in a historic flavor in the historic Heritage Square area...

Jeff Gifford/Phoenix Business Journal

Gilbert approves $18.4 million land purchase in historic Heritage District

The town of Gilbert has approved the $18.4 million purchase of 18 acres of land in the city’s historic Heritage District.

4 hours ago

Chandler woman accused of abusing over 50 special needs dogs...

KTAR.com

Activists played key role in arrest of Chandler woman accused of abusing special needs dogs

The Chandler Police Department arrested an Arizona woman Friday on suspicions of animal cruelty, officials said.

14 hours ago

In this image taken from video, Niko, a pet squirrel, stands on the shoulder of Yeison in their ten...

Associated Press

Venezuelan man and his pet squirrel complete journey to U.S. border

A 23-year-old Venezuela man is preparing to say goodbye to a pet squirrel he says he brought from his home country on a journey to Mexico.

16 hours ago

Sponsored Articles

...

DAY & NIGHT AIR CONDITIONING, HEATING AND PLUMBING

Importance of AC maintenance after Arizona’s excruciating heat wave

An air conditioning unit in Phoenix is vital to living a comfortable life inside, away from triple-digit heat.

Home moving relocation in Arizona 2023...

BMS Moving

Tips for making your move in Arizona easier

If you're moving to a new home in Arizona, use this to-do list to alleviate some stress and ensure a smoother transition to your new home.

...

Mayo Clinic

Game on! Expert sports physicals focused on you

With tryouts quickly approaching, now is the time for parents to schedule physicals for their student-athlete. The Arizona Interscholastic Association requires that all student-athletes must have a physical exam completed before participating in team practices or competition.

Arizona jury awards $8 million to doctor wrongfully blamed for death