Manhattan Urologist Darius Paduch Faces Lawsuits After Being Arrested For Allegedly Sexually Abusing Underage Male Patients
MANHATTAN, NEW YORK (August 24, 2023) – A NYC urologist identified as Darius Paduch is facing multiple lawsuits after being arrested for allegedly sexually abusing patients.
New York City first arrested the defendant several months ago. At the time, at least one person came forward and said that they were sexually abused while they were serving as an intern for Darius Paduch.
However, the NY Health Department was apparently aware of other sexual abuse claims five years before he was arrested. Some of the claims date all the way back to 2006 and 2007.
Numerous patients have reported being fondled by the defendant. Others say they were asked to masturbate in front of him. Some patients say that Dr Darius Paduch would use sex toys on them and conduct unnecessary rectal exams.
Numerous alleged victims were underage when the abused took place. Since December, he has been sued by seven patients. Attorneys for the plaintiffs have said that NY Presbyterian and Northwell Health ignored the concerns of patients and their own employees thereby allowing him to abuse with impunity.
Liability For Sexual Abuse By New York City Doctors
Doctors are in a position of trust with patients that are often very vulnerable. It is deeply unfortunate that so many doctors over the years have broken that trust and sexually abused patients. According to the Atlanta Journal-Constitution, “After analyzing more than 100,000 medical board documents, the AJC found that more than 3,100 doctors had faced public accusations of sexual misconduct from 1999 to 2015. The investigation also revealed a broken regulatory system that too often shielded doctors from accountability.” Indeed, many doctors continue to practice medicine for years after patients have alleged sexual abuse. There are many ways that a doctor may engage in sexual abuse.
- Doctors may inappropriately touch patients while they are sedated.
- Doctors may assault patients under the guise of medicine. This could include performing tests that are medically unnecessary.
- Doctors may coerce patients into sexual relationships.
It is illegal for doctors to sexually abuse patients. Pursuant to New York Penal Law Sections 130.52, “a person is guilty of Forcible Touching when he or she intentionally, and for no legitimate purpose, forcibly touches the sexual or other intimate parts of another person for the purpose of degrading or abusing such person or for the purpose of gratifying the actor’s sexual desire.” Doctors also engage in a crime when they commit sexual abuse under the guise of medical care.
Depending on the facts of any case, a hospital could face civil liability if one of their doctors sexually abuses a patient. For the most part, sexual abuse claims against hospitals are typically advanced on the legal theory that a doctor was negligently hired or supervised. If a hospital created a particular hazard or risk to patients, they can be vicariously liable for a doctor’s sexual abuse. There are several elements that must be demonstrated in any negligent hiring claim.
- The doctor involved was unfit for their job.
- The doctor’s employer knew (or should have known) that they posed a substantial risk of harm to patients.
- The doctor’s unfitness is what caused harm to their patients.
- The hospital’s negligent hiring, supervision or training was a significant factor in causing a patient’s harm.
Sexual abuse can be one of the most difficult things that people go through. Victims are often left with long-lasting psychological trauma. They are also much more susceptible to numerous chronic health conditions. Children, in particular, tend to be much more traumatized by sexual abuse. Any person that is sexually abused by a physician may have legal recourse through a civil claim. A sexual abuse attorney can examine all of the unique facts of your case and let you know what your legal options are.
Getting Legal Help After New York City Physician Sexual Abuse
We at Gersowitz Libo & Korek, P.C. extend our best wishes to all of the people who have been harmed by the actions of Dr Darius Paduch. What happened is completely reprehensible and inexcusable. There needs to be a thorough investigation into how he was employed by NY Presbyterian and Northwell Health for so long even after numerous allegations were made against him.
Have you or someone that you care about been sexually abused by a New York City physician? There are a number of laws designed to help you. We care deeply that abuse victims are aware of their rights and that hospitals are held accountable for their negligence. Whether you just have legal questions or are thinking about hiring an attorney we are here for you. You can reach out to us anytime at (516) 908-9792.
