Doctor sexual abuse lawsuits are civil claims by patients sexually abused by a physician or other medical professional, often during an exam, that frequently also name the hospital, clinic or university involved. As of October 2026 there is no national MDL; claims are filed individually or resolved through institution-wide agreements such as Columbia and NewYork-Presbyterian's $750 million settlement in May 2025.
Updates on Doctor Sexual Abuse Lawsuits
Sexual abuse lawsuit settlement 2026: a compensation guide for survivors — who qualifies, what affects case value, and how to file. Free confidential evaluation available 24/7.
Key facts (as of October 2026)
- January 19, 2022: the University of Michigan announced a $490 million settlement with about 1,050 claimants who alleged abuse by former U-M physician Robert Anderson.
- May 2025: Columbia University and NewYork-Presbyterian agreed to a $750 million settlement with former patients of gynecologist Robert Hadden, bringing total payments to his victims above $1 billion.
- March 10, 2026: Columbia released its external investigation report on Hadden's abuse and extended its Survivors' Settlement Fund claim deadline to June 15, 2026.
- 2026–2027: California's AB 250 opened a two-year window for adult survivors to file previously time-barred claims alleging an institutional cover-up; public entities are excluded.
- October 1, 2026: the JPML's pending-docket report lists no multidistrict litigation for medical sexual abuse.
What the lawsuits allege
Patients typically allege touching or examinations with no medical purpose, abuse while sedated or undressed, or misconduct presented as treatment. Claims against institutions focus on what they knew: ignored complaints, missing chaperone practices, weak credentialing and failure to report a practitioner to police or licensing boards. Similar claims can involve nurses, technicians and therapists.
Where the litigation stands
The largest cases have been resolved through institution-wide agreements, often after legislatures reopened filing deadlines. New York's Adult Survivors Act, signed May 24, 2022, opened a one-year window for people abused as adults; that window has closed. Group settlement totals say little about any single claim; our sexual abuse settlement guide explains how payouts are structured.
Deadlines and next steps
Deadlines depend on the state, the survivor's age at the time and how the claim is classified. Writing down the provider's name, dates and location, requesting your medical records, and reporting to police or the state medical board can help preserve evidence. A licensed attorney can confirm which deadline applies; our statute of limitations guide covers the basics.
Where to get support
RAINN's National Sexual Assault Hotline is free, confidential and available 24/7 at 800-656-4673, with online chat at RAINN.org/hotline.
Frequently asked questions
Is doctor sexual abuse the same as medical malpractice?
Not always. Some claims are framed as battery or other intentional misconduct rather than a failure to meet medical standards, and that framing can change which deadline, damages rules and insurance apply. States classify these claims differently, so an attorney licensed in the state where the care happened should review the facts.
Can a hospital or university be sued, not just the doctor?
Often, yes. Claims frequently name the employer or institution, alleging it ignored complaints, failed to supervise or failed to report. The University of Michigan's $490 million settlement in 2022 and Columbia and NewYork-Presbyterian's $750 million settlement in 2025 both resolved claims against institutions, not only the physicians.
How do I report a doctor for sexual misconduct?
You can report to local police and to the state medical board that licenses the practitioner, and you can notify the hospital or clinic. Reporting is separate from a civil claim and does not require a lawyer. RAINN's hotline at 800-656-4673 can help you think through options confidentially.
Sources
- University of Michigan Record – $490 million Anderson settlement
- American Bar Association – $750M Hadden settlement
- Columbia University Irving Medical Center – Rebuilding Trust updates
- New York Governor – Adult Survivors Act signing
- California Courts Newsroom – AB 250 reopens sex assault suits
- JPML – Pending MDL dockets, October 1, 2026
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