November 20, 2024
Sexual assault is a deeply personal and traumatic experience, and the decision to seek legal action against an abuser can be difficult. At our firm, we understand the challenges that survivors of sexual abuse face, and we are committed to empowering our clients and holding those responsible accountable for their actions. In this article, we will provide a comprehensive overview of the Robert Hadden sexual assault lawsuit, including the legal process, settlements, and other key details.
Who is Robert Hadden?
Columbia University’s former OBGYN “Robert Hadden” is a twice-convicted sexual felon and serial predator. Hadden made a career out of sexually exploiting women and girls under the guise of medical care and treatment at Fort Washington, West 168th Street, and East 61st Street in New York City. Columbia University knew of Robert Hadden’s abuse of patients dating all the way back to the 1990s and did nothing but cover it up.
What did Robert Hadden do to his patients?
Robert Hadden is the most prolific serial sexual predator in the history of New York State. His sexual exploitation and abuse of patients included performing unnecessary and invasive internal examinations on patients with no medical basis, inflicting physical pain on women in order to gratify his own deviant sexual desires, and making oral contact with some patients and their body parts. In almost all instances, there was a level of predatory sexual grooming that took place that was designed to lower his patients’ boundaries, gain their trust, and create a level of confusion after he sexually exploited and abused them.
The Robert Hadden Lawsuit
The Robert Hadden lawsuit is a series of civil cases filed by survivors of Hadden’s abuse against Columbia University and New York-Presbyterian Hospital. These institutions are accused of failing to protect patients from Hadden’s predatory behavior and covering up his actions for years. The lawsuits allege that Columbia and New York-Presbyterian violated the law by not reporting Hadden’s abuse to law enforcement or other regulatory agencies.
What is the difference between criminal cases and civil cases for Hadden’s Sexual Assault?
Criminal proceedings against Robert Hadden are separate from a civil action brought by his victims.
Although Hadden evaded prison time for his previous charges, he is awaiting trial on federal sexual abuse charges. He has pleaded not guilty. If indicted, he will face prison time, potential fines, and other sanctions for his crimes.
Lawsuits filed for sexual abuse by Robert Hadden on behalf of victims are civil cases handled by the US District Court: Southern District of New York. These lawsuits allege that Columbia University, New York Presbyterian Hospital, and other facilities Hadden worked in failed to keep patients safe and warn them of Hadden’s conduct.
Civil suits result in monetary compensation awarded to victims, paying for damages incurred. These damages could include medical bills, therapy costs, future medical expenses, pain and suffering, emotional damage, loss of enjoyment of life, and more.
Reach out to ATD Law with any questions or concerns about civil action against Columbia University and the hospitals that employed Robert Hadden.
The Robert Hadden Settlement
As of March 2023, our office has already recovered over $250 million from Columbia University in settlements for our clients. These settlements represent a victory for survivors of sexual abuse, and they are a clear message that institutions cannot cover up these crimes without facing the consequences. It is important to note that settlements are not an admission of guilt and can be reached for a variety of reasons. Nevertheless, they represent an important avenue of recourse for survivors seeking justice.
Why is Columbia University responsible for Dr. Robert Hadden’s sexual abuse?
Hospitals and medical clinics in New York have a duty to hire safe and competent doctors. They are also required, by law, to supervise physicians and report all suspected acts of abuse to state agencies and law enforcement. Despite the fact that Columbia University and top Administrators knew of Hadden’s abuse as far back as 1994, the university did nothing but cover up Hadden’s abuse, lie to patients, and conceal Hadden’s crimes from the authorities, and the State’s licensing agencies.
How did Columbia University Respond?
Columbia University is unique among high-profile institutions that have been faced with cases involving rampant sexual exploitation and abuse. The way Columbia and its Board of Trustees mishandled these cases will go down as one of the biggest failures of any major institution in history. Other institutions like Michigan State, University of Michigan, USC, and UCLA, voluntarily settled their cases with 100% of the individuals who were exposed to acts of sexual abuse. To this day, Columbia University (unlike every other institution) has still not informed all of the women and girls of Hadden’s abuse. For this reason, our law firm is committed to filing individual cases for anyone who was affected by Robert Hadden’s abuse—regardless of how long ago it happened.
What is New York Adult Survivors Act?
The Adult Survivors Act is the result of a decade’s worth of work and advocacy by the victims and survivors of Robert Hadden and Columbia University’s abuse. We are proud of the role that our founder, attorney Anthony T. DiPietro played in bringing the law into effect and helping to open the courthouse doors to adult survivors of sexual exploitation and abuse in New York. But, we are even more proud of our clients, supporters, and friends, like Evelyn Yang, Marissa Hoechstetter, Drew Dixon, Sen. Brad Hoylman, and Sen. Linda Rosenthal who led this effort and paved the way for other women and men to have a path to justice. Many people still don’t know that while Mrs. Yang played an important role as an advocate for the Adult Survivors Act, but she personally didn’t benefit from the law. Instead, she worked tirelessly to pass the law solely for the benefit of other victims and survivors of Robert Hadden’s abuse.
What was the verdict on Robert Hadden?
On January 24, 2023, Robert Hadden was found guilty by a federal jury on all counts of sexually abusing patients. The unanimous jury came back with their verdict in under two hours, finally bringing an end to Robert Hadden’s decades of being able to flout the law.
But Hadden’s guilty verdict is just the beginning. Hundreds more patients have contacted our law firm in an effort to hold Columbia University accountable for covering up Hadden’s abuse. If you were affected, call us at (212) 233-3600 or book a free consultation with us here.
Is Robert Hadden still a Doctor?
In our opinion, Robert Hadden was never a doctor. Doctors are supposed to heal people, not harm them. When Robert Hadden was prosecuted by the Manhattan District Attorney almost 10 years ago, he voluntarily surrendered his medical license. Despite pleading guilty to sexually abusing multiple patients, the prosecutors offered him a plea deal that more closely resembles an early paid retirement than a sentence for a convicted sexual felon. Hadden initially received no jail time, no fine, and no community service. Unfortunately, New York State’s Department of Health (who is in charge of physician licensing) was similarly permissive of Hadden’s abuse—instead of conducting a proper investigation of our client’s complaints against Hadden, the NY DOH simply allowed Hadden to surrender his license.
Thankfully, all of that changed in September 2020 when Robert Hadden was again indicted by Federal Prosecutors in New York. In January 2023, a jury convicted Hadden of inducing multiple patients to cross state lines with the intent to abuse them. Hadden now faces 80 years in prison–and his formal sentencing is scheduled for June 20, 2023.
How can I be sure if I was sexually abused?
The ironic part of the Robert Hadden sexual abuse cases is that hundreds, if not thousands, of women, were sexually exploited and abused by Robert Hadden but they don’t even know it yet. The reason this is the case is because Hadden would take advantage of the fact that most people don’t know what the actual standards of medical care are during an OBGYN appointment. For instance, Robert Hadden would target certain women and require that they come back to see him every 3-4 months for PAP smears for a made-up “medical condition ”. Well, it turns out that their “condition” was often the fact that they were in their 20s and had completely “normal PAP smears”. The actual standard of care is that women with normal PAPS smears only undergo testing every 1-5 years. Our office has seen many clients who were being told they needed as many as five (5) PAP smears per year. There was no medical basis for this. The only reason these patients were being called back so often was because Robert Hadden wanted access to their bodies.
Where is Robert Hadden now?
On January 24, 2023, a federal jury convicted Robert Hadden of sexually abusing multiple women under the guise of medical care and treatment. On February 1, 2023, the judge who presided over the trial ordered that Hadden be taken into custody by the US Marshall’s Office. Hadden is currently being held in a detention center in Brooklyn, New York. The formal sentencing date is June 20, 2023. If you were a patient who was sexually abused by Robert Hadden and wish to attend the sentencing date or submit a written statement to the court, please contact our office or the FBI.
Is Robert Hadden Married?
Despite the horrible pain and acts of abuse that Robert Hadden inflicted on so many women, he and his wife appear to be still married.
Is Robert Hadden in Jail?
After being convicted of sexually abusing patients in January of 2023, Robert Hadden was taken into custody by the US Marshall’s Office. Hadden will remain in the custody of the US Marshalls until his formal sentencing date, which is currently set for June 20, 2023. Robert Hadden faces 80 years in prison.
Do I qualify to file a lawsuit against Robert Hadden?
To instantly find out if you qualify to participate in the settlement fund, call us now at (212) 233-3600 or fill out our free case evaluation form HERE.
What if I knew someone who was Robert Hadden’s patient?
If you or someone you know was exposed to Robert Hadden, please contact us now at (212) 233-3600 or fill out our free case evaluation form HERE.
Our Role in the Robert Hadden Lawsuit
Our firm has represented over 226 clients against Robert Hadden and Columbia University to date, and we are currently working on the next round of cases. Our experienced legal team has a proven track record of holding powerful institutions accountable for covering up sexual abuse and securing compensation for survivors. We understand the complexities of these cases and the impact they can have on our clients, and we are committed to providing compassionate, personalized representation every step of the way.
Sexual abuse is a deeply traumatic experience, and the decision to seek legal action against an abuser can be difficult. However, it is important to remember that survivors have the right to seek justice and hold those responsible accountable for their actions. The Robert Hadden sexual assault lawsuit is a powerful example of how survivors can come together to demand justice and effect change.
At our firm, we are committed to empowering our clients and helping them navigate the legal process with compassion and care. We have a proven track record of holding powerful institutions accountable for covering up sexual abuse and securing compensation for survivors. If you or someone you know has been a victim of sexual abuse by Robert Hadden, we encourage you to reach out to us for a free and confidential consultation.
Together, we can continue to fight for justice and ensure that survivors of sexual abuse are heard and supported. We are here to help, and we are dedicated to making the world a safer place for everyone.
Our #1 Priority is your level of comfort. We understand that sharing your experiences will never be comfortable. But in order to make your journey the least bit uncomfortable as possible, I’ve designed this process from the ground up to be empowering—and done in a manner that gives you the power back. Everything we do has these goals in mind. By holding institutions like Columbia University accountable for covering up sexual abuse, we’re working on making this world a better place for future generations.
When our Founder Anthony T. DiPietro filed his first case against Robert Hadden and Columbia University back in 2013, he already knew that the client wasn’t the only person this happened to. Time and experience have proven him correct. Our firm has single-handedly helped over 226+ patients of Robert Hadden to date, resulting in an average of more than $1 million per client that has been recovered. These are the kind of results that have led us to our trademark: You’re not alone anymore™.
Over the past decade, more and more patients have been coming forward to report on Hadden’s abuse. Our firm has even had whistleblowing nurses, doctors, and other admins call us to report on how Columbia University has been covering up for Hadden all the way back to the 1990s.
As of March 2023, our office has already recovered over $250 million from Columbia University—and the numbers just keep going up. Some other lawyers out there are just now starting to advertise for these cases. But while they’re busy advertising and trying to copy us, we’re here winning for our clients.
Attorney Anthony T. DiPietro has personally represented over 226 clients against Robert Hadden and Columbia University to date. And we’re already working on the next round of cases. This round looks to be even larger than the past two rounds.
There is still time for you to act, but that time won’t last forever.
Call us at (212) 233-3600, or book an appointment with us here. All calls are 100% free and confidential.
How Do I File a Claim for the Columbia University Settlement Fund?
To file a claim against Robert Hadden and Columbia University, please contact one of our case experts at (212) 233-3600 or book a free consultation with us here.
Even if what happened to you was decades ago, there is still time to file. But you should call (212) 233-3600 before it’s too late.
Can I file anonymously?
Yes! You will automatically be anonymous in all court documents. We will only use your actual name if you specifically direct us to do so. Otherwise, you will be listed as “Jane or John Doe”.
Is there a deadline to file against Columbia University?
The deadline to file a claim against Columbia is fast approaching, but you still have time. Your case doesn’t have to be finished by the upcoming deadline, but it does have to be filed by the deadline. So, if you were exposed to Robert Hadden at one of Columbia University’s medical clinics, call us today to learn more about how we can help you get justice.
Is there a cost for legal services?
We only work on a contingency basis. That means you don’t pay anything unless we win. If we don’t win, then you don’t owe us anything.
If you’re speaking with a lawyer, and they ask you to pay money upfront for things like court fees or the cost of an expert to review your medical records, run! You don’t have to come to me. But go to someone else. No lawyer worth their salt will charge you anything out of pocket to handle a case like this.
And that’s important for two reasons. If a lawyer is willing to take your case on a contingency fee, it means: (1) they believe in your case, and (2) they believe in themselves. In order for us to get any legal fees, we have to win your case.
Sometimes I feel overwhelmed. Is there support for me?
I understand how difficult it can be when trying to come to terms with what happened. Because of this, our firm is the first law firm in the nation to hire psychologists, therapists, and social workers to help clients cope with these challenges. What’s even more important is that we’re offering these services at absolutely no cost to you.
Regardless of whether you want a little help completing one of the forms or if you’re interested in regular therapy appointments, we’re here to help you navigate this process. All you need to do is just call and ask, or you can book a time on our Calendly:https://calendly.com/atdlaw/columbia-case-experts
How will I get updates about my case?
We will be sending out periodic case updates. It’s our philosophy that this is your case, and we believe it is important to include you in all the important decisions that will be made. Therefore, we will never do anything like settle your case without talking to you about it first. You’re the boss, and we work for you.
When will I receive a settlement?
This is difficult to predict. We would love to resolve your case quickly. But it is equally (if not more) important that we get you the highest amount possible. A lot of lawyers out there will settle cases quickly but far too cheaply. We’re not like that, and we will never be like that. So, if your case is taking longer than you’d like, just remember that “quick money means low money” in this business. That’s why it’s sometimes necessary to take a little extra time to beat up the defendants, so they understand that paying a proper settlement amount (not a low settlement amount) is the only way to make us stop.
How much is my case worth?
Our last round of settlements against Robert Hadden and Columbia University was a record-breaking $ 165,081,000 million for 147 clients. That’s over $ 1.12 million on a per-person average. See the news report below: https://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20230213005039/en/The-DiPietro-Law-Firm-Continues-Pursuing-Justice-for-Victims-After-Winning-236-Million-Against-Columbia-University-and-Robert-Hadden.
As always, feel free to call or email me with any questions you have at (212) 233-3600 or [email protected].
However, if you’re traveling, or if it’s easier for you to fill out the information we need in our secure online form, you can find the link HERE.
Do I sign the retainer?
First off, we never charge anything out of pocket. The only way we get paid is if we win a verdict or settlement for you. Once you sign a retainer agreement with us, we’ll get started working on your case right away. In fact, we’ve already started processing the next round of settlements for other clients. So, please contact us at your earliest convenience to ensure that we can get started working on your case as quickly as possible.
Can You Be My Attorney if I Made a Mistake and Signed a Retainer With a Different Law Firm?
Yes, you can switch to us at any time. You have the right to pick any lawyer you want. In fact, I’ve heard from several clients who’ve seen an advertisement from some vulture lawyer, but didn’t realize at first that the other lawyer has absolutely no experience in these cases against Hadden and Columbia.
I’ve even heard of instances where a lawyer lied to the client, and told her that once they’ve signed a retainer, they’re not allowed to switch. That same law firm then tried to guilt a different woman into staying with them by leaving a ridiculous and unprofessional message on her voicemail about how she owed them because they spent money on the Google ad she saw online:
This isn’t the middle ages, where once you get married you can’t leave. You can choose whoever you want to represent you. And if you’d like to join our firm, we’ll even take care of contacting the other lawyer and letting them know that you’re with us now. And it will never cost you anything extra in legal fees when you switch to us. So you will never have to worry about paying two lawyers. We’ll take care of that for you as well.
We’re looking forward to working with you. Call or email to me to learn more at (212) 233-3600 or [email protected]
What is your mode of communication with your clients?
We welcome all forms of communication including phone calls, emails, or text messages. All of which are 100% free and confidential.
What is your response time?
Our phone lines are staffed 24 hours a day, 7 days a week. If you want to speak with one of our qualified staff for a 100% free and confidential consultation, call us at (212) 233-3600 or book an appointment here.
Who will be my attorney? Will it be Anthony T. DiPietro himself?
Yes! Our Founder, Anthony T. DiPietro is the original attorney in New York State who has been leading the fight against Robert Hadden and Columbia University since 2012. In August 2022, Mr. DiPietro won a record-breaking $ 236 million settlement against Hadden and Columbia and is continuing to lead the fight to get his clients more from the university and its related medical centers. No other lawyer or law firm can claim to have that kind of experience or has obtained anywhere near those kinds of results.
What if I have more questions that are not mentioned here?
If you have any questions whatsoever, please do not hesitate to contact us at (212) 233-3600. Remember, all calls are 100% confidential and free of charge.
Here, at The DiPietro Law Firm, we’re committed to helping victims of sexual abuse and assault find the justice they deserve.
All information discussed during our consultations always remains completely 100% confidential.
Would you like our help?
Founder Anthony T. DiPietro, Esq. is a compassionate and skilled trial attorney who has completely dedicated the past 23 years of his career to litigating medical malpractice and sexual abuse cases against major corporate institutions including hospitals, medical clinics, schools, and other wrongdoers.
Mr. DiPietro has also obtained some of New York State’s highest verdicts and settlements, and has been selected to New York State Super Lawyers® each year, for the past 10 years in a row.
In 2022, Mr. DiPietro was selected as one of America’s Top 100 High-Stakes Litigators for the landmark cases he’s won on behalf of survivors of sexual exploitation and abuse.
Here, at The DiPietro Law Firm, we’re committed to helping victims of sexual abuse and assault find the justice they deserve.
All information discussed during our consultations always remains completely 100% confidential.
Would you like our help?
Years of Abuse: 1987 – 2016
Brief:
Robert Hadden, a disgraced Obstetrician-Gynecologist (OB/GYN) who worked for Columbia University and NewYork-Presbyterian Hospital, was criminally convicted in 2016 of sexually exploiting and abusing patients under the guise of medical care.
Hadden used his position of authority and trust to sexually exploit women and girls for nearly three decades as a Columbia University physician.
All the while, Columbia University and New York-Presbyterian Hospital administrators turned their backs and ignored reports of Hadden’s abuse, gaslighting patients and the public.
Read More:
Years of Abuse: 1979 – 2022
Brief:
David H. Broadbent is a former OB/GYN under criminal investigation and facing civil lawsuits for sexual abuse of patients.
Broadent worked at multiple medical facilities in the Provo, Orem and Salt Lake City, UT areas.
These facilities included Intermountain Healthcare’s Utah Valley Hospital, MountainStar Healthcare’s Timpanogos Hospital, other Utah health care providers, and he also had adverse action taken against his medical license back in 1990.
Read More:
Years of Abuse: 1990 – 2016
Read More: University of Southern California & Predator George Tyndall
Years of Abuse: 1961 – 1996
Brief:
22 predator teachers and administrators, over the course of 35 years.
Years of Abuse: 1960 – 1982
If you have any questions about whether or not you have a case, or just want to obtain more information about what you’ve experienced – feel free to contact us through our secure website chat.
You can also contact us by calling us at (212) 233-3600 or toll free at (800) 215-1003.
All of our consultations are free and 100% confidential. Thank you.