Columbia College reaches $165 million take care of victims abused by former physician By Reuters

By Kanishka Singh

(Reuters) – Columbia College and its affiliated hospitals mentioned {that a} $165 million settlement was reached with almost 150 sufferers of a former gynecologist, who was accused of sexual abuse by dozens of girls.

Robert Hadden, the previous gynecologist, pleaded responsible in 2016 to 2 New York state costs of a felony intercourse act within the third diploma and forcible touching. Hadden is now awaiting trial in federal court docket on eight felony counts of bringing girls throughout state traces for alleged sexual abuse from 1993 to 2012.

A $71.5 million settlement had been reached in December between the establishment and a gaggle of 79 girls, who had been Hadden’s sufferers. On Friday, the college mentioned in an announcement that Columbia College Irving Medical Middle and the NewYork-Presbyterian hospital reached an settlement with a remaining group of 147 sufferers for $165 million.

The college added that Hadden has not labored as a health care provider since 2012.

The hospitals will set up a compensation fund to distribute the cash, the college mentioned.

“We deeply remorse the ache that Robert Hadden’s sufferers suffered and hope that these resolutions will present some measure of help for the ladies he damage. All those that got here ahead needs to be recommended,” the college mentioned.

A consultant of Hadden couldn’t instantly be reached for remark.

The sexual abuse settlement is the newest involving a prestigious U.S. educational establishment.

In September, the College of Michigan mentioned a $490 million settlement with greater than 1,000 individuals who alleged sexual assault by a former sports activities physician was finalized.