Columbia and NewYork-Presbyterian Settle $750M in Robert Hadden Sexual Abuse Claims

Total Civil Payouts Now Exceed $1 Billion in Widespread Medical Abuse Scandal

Columbia University and NewYork-Presbyterian Hospital have agreed to pay $750 million to resolve hundreds of civil lawsuits brought by survivors of sexual abuse committed by former gynecologist Robert Hadden. This massive settlement, approved by a Manhattan judge, is among the largest ever involving a single medical professional in the United States. It brings the total civil payouts related to Hadden’s abuse to over $1 billion, underscoring the staggering scale of harm and institutional failure involved.

Robert Hadden, now 66, built a decades-long career in some of New York’s most prestigious hospitals, including Columbia University Irving Medical Center and NewYork-Presbyterian. He was convicted in federal court in 2023 on multiple sex crime charges and sentenced to 20 years in prison.

576 New Cases Settled as Institutions Face Reckoning

The latest settlement resolves 576 legal claims against Columbia, NewYork-Presbyterian, and associated parties. Plaintiffs’ attorney Anthony T. DiPietro described the resolution as a long-overdue reckoning for institutions that had prioritized their reputations over patient safety.

“This victory is not just for the victims and survivors... but for all of us who entrust medical institutions with our health care,” DiPietro stated. “This settlement sends a powerful message that we’re here to ensure that institutions covering up exploitation and abuse will be held fully accountable.”

Survivors in the latest settlement will receive an average payout of $1.3 million, according to DiPietro. Columbia had previously paid $277 million to more than 200 other plaintiffs, and in 2023 it announced a $100 million settlement fund, with a May 2025 deadline for additional claims.

Columbia’s Institutional Failures and Survivor Outrage

Columbia University released a statement acknowledging the settlement, saying it “deeply regrets the pain that [Hadden’s] patients suffered” and that the agreement represents a continued commitment to repairing the harm.

One of the survivors, Laurie Maldonado, made clear that financial compensation was not the driving force behind the lawsuit. “It’s about accountability,” she said. “Columbia University enabled sadistic abuse, and now, they’ve been forced to face the truth. We hope this sends a clear message to every institution: survivors will not be silenced.”

Prominent public figures also came forward, including Evelyn Yang, the wife of former presidential candidate Andrew Yang, who revealed she was abused by Hadden while pregnant.

The Path to Justice: From Indictments to Sentencing

Allegations against Hadden first surfaced in 2012. He was initially indicted on state charges in 2014, but in 2016, the Manhattan DA’s office allowed him to plead guilty to two low-level felonies and a misdemeanor. The controversial plea deal spared him jail time and excluded him from the state’s sex offender registry, sparking outrage among victims.

It wasn’t until federal prosecutors intervened in 2020 that Hadden faced serious consequences. They secured a conviction by highlighting that some of his victims had crossed state lines to be treated in New York — allowing charges under federal law. Nine victims testified in the 2023 trial, exposing Hadden’s pattern of abuse during gynecological exams that dated back to the 1980s.

Survivors of Abuse NY Offers Legal Advocacy to Victims of Doctor Sexual Abuse

The Robert Hadden case is a chilling example of institutional betrayal and long-term medical abuse. At Survivors of Abuse NY, we stand with the brave individuals who stepped forward to hold not just Hadden, but Columbia University and NewYork-Presbyterian Hospital accountable.

Thomas Giuffra, Esq. – The Abuse Lawyer NY is a leading advocate for survivors of doctor sexual abuse and has dedicated his career to holding trusted professionals and institutions responsible. Survivors have legal rights and deserve justice, no matter how long ago the abuse occurred.

Take Legal Action Today

If you or someone you know is a survivor of sexual abuse by a doctor, nurse, or other healthcare provider, you are not alone. The law may allow you to seek justice through a civil lawsuit — even if the abuse happened decades ago.

Contact Thomas Giuffra, Esq. – The Abuse Lawyer NY today at (646) 413-6394 for a confidential consultation. Let our experienced team help you take the first step toward justice and healing.

Source:

NBC News