What's happened
Columbia University has agreed to a $750 million settlement for 576 victims of Robert Hadden, a former gynecologist convicted of sexual abuse. This settlement follows previous payouts exceeding $200 million and aims to hold institutions accountable for enabling Hadden's misconduct. The average payout per victim is approximately $1.3 million.
What's behind the headline?
Accountability and Institutional Responsibility
The $750 million settlement marks a pivotal moment in addressing institutional failures in healthcare. Key points include:
- Victim Empowerment: Laurie Maldonado, a victim, emphasized that the settlement is about accountability, not just financial compensation. This sentiment reflects a broader demand for institutions to prioritize patient safety over reputation.
- Historical Context: Hadden's abuse spanned decades, with allegations dating back to the 1990s. The delayed response from Columbia and New York-Presbyterian highlights systemic issues in how medical institutions handle abuse claims.
- Legal Precedent: This case sets a significant precedent for future claims against medical institutions, reinforcing that they can be held accountable for enabling abuse.
- Ongoing Investigations: Columbia's commitment to external investigations and updated safety policies indicates a shift towards transparency and reform in response to past failures.
The implications of this settlement extend beyond financial reparations, signaling a potential shift in how medical institutions address and prevent abuse.
What the papers say
According to the New York Times, the settlement approved by a Manhattan judge on May 5, 2025, is a culmination of 576 legal cases against Columbia University and New York-Presbyterian, with attorney Anthony T. DiPietro stating, "This victory is not just for the victims... but for all of us who entrust medical institutions with our health care." The Independent echoed this sentiment, noting that the average payout will be about $1.3 million, emphasizing the importance of accountability in healthcare settings. AP News highlighted the historical context of Hadden's abuse, detailing how allegations first surfaced in 2012 and the subsequent legal battles that ensued. The NY Post added that this settlement brings the total payouts to over $1 billion, showcasing the extensive impact of Hadden's actions on the victims and the institutions involved.
How we got here
Robert Hadden, a former gynecologist, was convicted in 2023 for sexually abusing patients over decades at Columbia University and New York-Presbyterian. Allegations surfaced in 2012, leading to a series of legal actions against the institutions that employed him, culminating in this significant settlement.
Go deeper
- What led to the settlement amount being so high?
- How will Columbia University change its policies moving forward?
- What support is available for the victims of Hadden?
Common question
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What is the Columbia University $750 million settlement about?
Columbia University's recent $750 million settlement marks a significant moment in the fight against institutional abuse. This landmark case involves 576 victims of former gynecologist Robert Hadden, who was convicted of sexual abuse. The settlement raises important questions about accountability, the impact on victims, and potential changes in institutional policies.
More on these topics
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Columbia University is a private Ivy League research university in New York City. Established in 1754 on the grounds of Trinity Church in Manhattan, Columbia is the oldest institution of higher education in New York and the fifth-oldest institution of hig
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The United States of America, commonly known as the United States or America, is a country mostly located in central North America, between Canada and Mexico.
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New York is a state in the Northeastern United States. New York was one of the original thirteen colonies that formed the United States. With more than 19 million residents in 2019, it is the fourth-most-populous state.
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The NewYork–Presbyterian Hospital is a nonprofit academic medical center in New York City affiliated with two Ivy League medical schools: Columbia University Vagelos College of Physicians and Surgeons and Weill Cornell Medicine.