WERE YOU SEXUALLY ABUSED BY A DOCTOR OR OTHER MEDICAL STAFF?
You May Be Entitled To Substantial Compensation
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DR. ROBERT HADDEN SEXUAL ABUSE LAWSUITS
Fighting For Survivors Sexually Abused By Dr. Robert Hadden
Dr. Robert Hadden, a former OB-GYN at Columbia University and NewYork-Presbyterian Hospital, was sentenced to prison in 2023 for sexual misconduct which he perpetrated using medical care as a pretext for inflicting sexual abuse on his patients. The Hadden gynecologist scandal has brought to light numerous allegations of sexual abuse against former patients, leading to widespread calls for justice and accountability. For years, he took advantage of his position to exploit and harm women sexually, causing them deep and lasting trauma.
Internal reports and witness testimonies show that Columbia University not only knew about Robert Hadden’s repeated patient abuse but also covered it up. Despite being aware of his misconduct and receiving multiple reports, the University allowed him to keep practicing medicine. Hundreds of Hadden’s victims are stepping forward to hold the University accountable for letting him continue seeing patients, even though they knew about his abuse. Their negligence exposed many women to further harm.
Were you sexually abused?
History of Robert Hadden’s Sexual Abuse
Dr. Robert Hadden perpetrated decades of sexual abuse and betrayed the trust of his patients. He sexually exploited and abused hundreds of women during his time as a Columbia University physician, including several young girls, one of whom he had personally delivered.
Despite Columbia University’s involvement causing the abuse to go unnoticed for years, a September 2020 press release from the US Department of Justice brought shocking details to light. It revealed that Dr. Robert Hadden had been sexually assaulting numerous female patients, including several minors, from as early as 1993 up until 2012.
Columbia University and NewYork-Presbyterian Hospital played a major role in covering up Hadden’s sexual abuse and denying justice to his victims. They ignored numerous reports of his misconduct and chose to protect their reputation rather than investigate the complaints. By silencing the victims and letting Hadden continue his practice, these institutions failed those they were meant to serve.
The timeline of Robert Hadden’s sexual abuse includes the following :
- In 1994, Dian Monson reported that Hadden sexually assaulted her during her second pregnancy. She reached out to Columbia University with a letter detailing the abuse, expecting them to look into it. However, after acknowledging her complaint, the University never followed up or communicated with her again.
- In 2012, a patient filed a complaint with the police that Robert Hadden orally assaulted her during a postpartum exam after the chaperone nurse left the room. Hadden was arrested, but no criminal charges were filed against him.
- In 2014, the Manhattan District Attorney’s Office investigated Hadden for sexual abuse, and half a dozen women testified. Hadden faced six felony counts of sexual abuse and unlawful sexual behavior.
- In 2016, Hadden pleaded guilty to a felony sex act and a misdemeanor of forcible touching. As part of his plea agreement, he gave up his medical license and was added to the sex offender registry, but he didn’t face any jail time.
The New York State Office of Professional Medical Conduct required that all of Hadden’s former patients be notified of his lost medical license and his status as a registered sex offender.
- In January 2020, Evelyn Yang, wife of former presidential candidate Andrew Yang, revealed in an interview that Hadden had sexually abused her in 2012 while she was seven months pregnant. The report brought the doctor’s conduct under renewed scrutiny, prompting hundreds more survivors of Hadden’s sexual abuse to speak out.
- In September 2020, Hadden faced federal charges for inviting patients to cross state boundaries for routine checks so that he could sexually assault them.
- In December 2021, Columbia University and NewYork-Presbyterian Hospital agreed to pay $71.5 million to compensate 79 women who Robert Hadden abused.
- In October 2022, Columbia University and New York Presbyterian Hospital settled for $165 million to compensate 147 Hadden victims.
- In January 2023, Hadden was found guilty of four out of the six federal sex trafficking charges.
- February 1, 2023, Hadden’s victims requested his detention before sentencing. The court agreed and placed him in federal custody.
- In July 2023, Robert Hadden was sentenced to 20 years in prison for inviting four victims across state lines for sexual abuse. He was also given lifetime supervised release, a $10,000 fine, and a $400 special assessment fee.
We specialize in sexual abuse lawsuits against powerful institutions. These include government entities (such as prisons, schools, and juvenile detention / juvenile treatment centers), technology companies, and clergy.
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Who Can You Sue in a Sex Abuse Civil Case?
In a sex abuse civil case, the parties you might sue can vary depending on the circumstances of the abuse and the relationships involved.
Some potential parties that could be sued in a sex abuse civil case include:
- Individual Perpetrator: The alleged perpetrator of the sexual abuse can be named as a defendant in the lawsuit. This is often the person who directly committed the abusive acts.
- Institutions and Organizations: If the abuse occurred within an institution or organization, such as a school, church, sports club, or workplace, and they failed to take appropriate action to prevent or address the abuse, they might also be held liable.
- Employers: If the perpetrator was an employee of an organization or institution, the employer might be held vicariously liable for the actions of their employee if the abuse occurred within the scope of their employment.
- Property Owners: If the abuse occurred on a property owned by someone else, and the property owner failed to provide adequate security or take reasonable steps to prevent the abuse, they might be considered liable.
- Government Entities: In some cases, government entities might be involved, especially if the abuse occurred within a state institution or facility. Suing a government entity might involve specific procedures and limitations.
Sex abuse cases can be legally complex, so it's highly advisable to consult with experienced legal professionals who specialize in this area to understand your options and pursue the appropriate legal action. Levy Konigsberg, along with our team of sexual abuse lawyers, is available to provide assistance for your sexual abuse case.
Do I Have a Case?
You may have grounds to file a civil legal action if:
- You were sexually abused by a doctor or medical staff.
- The abuse occurred at any medical facility.
- You were sexually exploited or abused by someone in a position of power within an organization meant to provide support and care.
Levy Konigsberg represents survivors in civil lawsuits that aim to hold medical facilities and other facility operators accountable for their failures to stop abusive staff members and protect patients.
As civil claims, these cases are separate from any criminal proceedings that may arise from abuse and focus instead on holding institutions liable for damages. This means you may still have a claim even if:
- Your abuser is no longer alive.
- Your abuser was never charged with or convicted of a crime.
Recoverable Damages in Sexual Abuse Claims
In addition to providing accountability and a sense of justice, civil sex abuse lawsuits allow survivors to recover financial compensation for their damages, which may include:
- Past medical and mental health expenses
- Future mental health expenses, including therapy, medications, etc.
- Pain and suffering
- Emotional anguish and psychological harm
- Lost income
- Other economic and non-economic damages
New York Sexual Abuse Attorneys
A statute of limitations sets deadlines for victims to bring claims against their abuser or entities responsible for the abuse. New York has pioneered efforts to make it easier for sexual abuse survivors to seek justice and compensation.
In 2019, New York passed the Child Victims Act, expanding the statute of limitations for survivors of childhood sexual abuse.
Levy Konigsberg is a prominent law firm known for its expertise in representing victims of sexual abuse by doctors or healthcare workers. With a dedicated team of experienced attorneys, they have successfully handled numerous cases, ensuring that survivors receive the justice and compensation they deserve. If you or a loved one has suffered sexual abuse by a doctor or healthcare worker, Levy Konigsberg offers compassionate and professional legal support to help navigate this challenging time. Their commitment to holding perpetrators accountable makes them a trusted ally in the fight against medical misconduct.
Trust Levy Konigsberg's Legal Team for Proven Results in Sexual Abuse and Negligence Cases
Levy Konigsberg LLP, a nationally recognized law firm, has built a legacy over three decades, recovering over $3 billion in sexual abuse compensation for clients. Led by award-winning sexual abuse lawyers, we specialize in representing survivors in sexual abuse across the country, taking on powerful institutions. Our top-rated trial practice handles all types of sexual abuse or negligence cases, showcasing numerous testimonials and successful case results.