Launching – and losing – a defamation action is a matter only for those with the deepest pockets.

Just ask disgraced orthopaedic surgeon Munjed Al Muderis, whose lawsuit against this masthead and 60 Minutes over a series of reports revealing negligent operations ended with a damning loss in the Federal Court last week.

Dr Munjed Al Muderis (centre), with barrister Sue Chrysanthou, SC (left), and his partner Claudia Roberts.Credit: Dion Georgopoulos

After a marathon trial spanning years, Justice Wendy Abraham found Al Muderis was dishonest and callous and prioritised fame, money and numbers above vulnerable patients. She also ruled that Nine, owner of this masthead, had established both truth and public interest defences, in a landmark victory for journalism.

Al Muderis has vowed to appeal, but as it stands, he remains on the hook for Nine’s legal costs. All up, an estimated $19 million has been spent on the case by both sides, most of which the surgeon will have to cough up, pending Abraham’s final order on costs.

Much ink has been spilled about how these high-stakes defamation trials are huge moneymakers for lawyers on the media beat; they pocket millions even if their clients lose (and with losses by Ben........

© Brisbane Times