Columbia University and New York-Presbyterian Hospital have reached a $750 million settlement to resolve hundreds of sexual abuse claims linked to Robert Hadden, a former gynecologist now serving a 20-year prison sentence for federal sex crimes. This settlement raises the total legal payouts from civil cases against Hadden to over $1 billion.
Hadden, aged 66, faced allegations of molesting patients during his tenure at Columbia and New-York Presbyterian. In 2023, he was convicted and sentenced for his actions, as the extent of the abuse, exposed through 576 legal cases, became increasingly public.
Plaintiffs’ attorney Anthony T. DiPietro emphasized that the settlement serves as a victory not just for the victims, but for all patients trusting medical institutions with their care. He criticized Columbia and New-York Presbyterian for prioritizing their reputations over patient safety. The average payout from the new settlement is expected to be around $1.3 million per plaintiff.
Columbia University acknowledged the settlement but refrained from disclosing the amount. They are currently implementing various measures aimed at addressing the abuses, including external investigations and a survivor settlement fund. The school expressed regret for the patients’ suffering and praised the brave survivors who shared their stories.
Plaintiff Laurie Maldonado underscored the importance of accountability over monetary compensation, aiming to challenge the institutions that enabled such “sadistic abuse.” Hadden’s actions were publicly scrutinized, especially following the emergence of the #MeToo movement, which renewed focus on sexual abuse allegations. The case also drew attention from other notable victims, including Evelyn Yang, highlighting the pervasive impact of Hadden’s misconduct.
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