USC, George Tyndall Sexual Misconduct Class Action Settlement

UPDATE:

• The Court granted this settlement final approval on July 12, 2021.
• Let Top Class Actions know when you receive a check in the comments section below or on our Facebook page.

A $215 million class action settlement has been reached to resolve sexual assault claims against former University of Southern California gynecologist George Tyndall.

The settlement benefits women who were seen by Tyndall at the USC Student Health Center between Aug. 14, 1989 and June 21, 2016, for which one or more of the following apply:

• Were seen for women’s health issues (any issue relating to breast, vaginal, urinary tract, bowel, gynecological, or sexual health)
• Treatment included a breast or genital examination
• Treatment included photographs or videos being taken of her unclothed or partially clothed body

USC and former USC gynecologist George Tyndall have faced legal action due to allegations that Tyndall repeatedly sexually assaulted patients.

According to sexual assault survivors, USC covered up the abuse despite complaints from students and medical staff at the university’s Student Health Center.

Tyndall reportedly touched patients inappropriately during exams, took inappropriate pictures and videos of unclothed patients, and made lewd comments to patients.

Survivors of Tyndall’s alleged abuse claims that the disgraced gynecologist used his position within the health center to routinely take advantage of young women who may not have known exactly what an actual, professional gynecological exam should be like.

Both USC and Tyndall have agreed to settle the sexual assault claims. The settlement was announced by USC Interim President Wanda M. Austin in October 2018.

Austin called the settlement a “fair and respectful resolution” and noted that “sweeping changes” had been made across the university to help prevent misconduct in the future.

All Class Members are able to collect a minimum Tier 1 payment of $2,500. If Class Members are willing to share more about their experiences through writing or through an interview, they may be able to collect between $7,500 and $250,000 in Tier 2 and Tier 3 payments.

Claims to the settlement for Tier 2 and Tier 3 payments will be reviewed by a three member panel that includes a Special Master appointed by the court, a licensed OB/GYN, and a forensic psychologist.

A Statement of Class Membership Form needs to be submitted for Tier 1 payment and a more detailed Claim Form needs to be submitted for Tier 2 and 3 payments. These documents need to be submitted by Nov. 8, 2019.

The deadline for exclusion is Nov. 7, 2019. The deadline for objection is Oct. 9, 2019. The final approval hearing is scheduled for Jan. 6, 2020.

Who’s Eligible

Women who were seen by Tyndall at the USC Student Health Center between Aug. 14, 1989 and June 21, 2016 (a) who were seen for women’s health issues (any issue relating to breast, vaginal, urinary tract, bowel, gynecological, or sexual health), or (b) whose treatment includes a breast or genital examination, or (c) whose treatment included photographs or videos being taken of her unclothed or partially clothed body.

Potential Award

Tier 1 Payment: Minimum payment of $2,500 guaranteed for all Class Members.

Tier 2 Payment: Payments between $7,500 and $20,000. Available to those who feel comfortable sharing their story in writing.

Tier 3 Payment: Payments between $7,500 and $250,000. Available to those who feel comfortable being interviewed by specialists in addition to submitting a written claim.

Proof of Purchase

Statement of Class Membership Form (required for Tier 1 payments), written details of experiences (optional but required for Tier 2 payments), interview with specialists (optional but required for Tier 3 payments).

Claim Form

CLICK HERE TO FILE A CLAIM »

NOTE: If you do not qualify for this settlement do NOT file a claim.

Remember: you are submitting your claim under penalty of perjury. You are also harming other eligible Class Members by submitting a fraudulent claim. If you’re unsure if you qualify, please read the FAQ section of the Settlement Administrator’s website to ensure you meet all standards (Top Class Actions is not a Settlement Administrator). If you don’t qualify for this settlement, check out our database of other open class action settlements you may be eligible for.

Claim Form Deadline

11/8/2019

Case Name

In re: USC Student Health Center Litigation, Case No. 2:18-cv-04258-SVW, in the U.S. District Court for the Central District of California

Final Hearing

1/6/2020

UPDATE: The USC, George Tyndall Sexual Misconduct Class Action Settlement was granted final approval on February 25, 2020. According to the settlement website, Tier 1 checks will be issued April 6, 2020, if there are not appeals filed. Top Class Actions will continue to provide updates as we learn more. 

Settlement Website

www.USCTyndallSettlement.com

Claims Administrator

USC Student Health Center Settlement
c/o JND Legal Administration
P.O. Box 91233
Seattle, WA 98111-9333
info@USCTyndallSettlement.com
1-888-663-1718

Class Counsel

Steve W. Berman
Shelby R. Smith
Elizabeth A. Fegan
Emily Brown
Christopher Pitoun
HAGENS BERMAN SOBOL & SHAPIRO LLP

Daniel C. Girard
Jordan Elias
Adam E. Polk
Elizabeth A. Kramer
GIRARD SHARP LLP

Jonathan D. Selbin
Annika K. Martin
Laura Heiman
LIEFF CABRASER HEIMANN & BERNSTEIN LLP

Joseph G. Sauder
SAUDER SCHELKOPF LLC

Jonathan Shub
KOHN SWIFT & GRAF PC

Defense Counsel

Shon Morgan
QUINN EMANUEL URQUHART & SULLIVAN LLP

N. Denise Taylor
TAYLOR DEMARCO LLP

Read More Lawsuit & Settlement News:

Southwest, Boeing Class Action Says Fliers Tricked About 737 Max Safety

Virgin America Flight Attendants Win Wage and Hour Lawsuit

Pier 1 Class Action Says Coupons Illegally Applied After Tax

Heart Attack Victim Sues Uloric Maker

Join a Free Sexual Assault Lawsuit Investigation

If you were a victim of sexual assault by any person in an athletic, school, medical, or employment setting, you are entitled to a free case evaluation to find out your potential remedies and compensation. Fill out the FREE form on this page for more information.

LEARN MORE