Fifty patients of a former Merrick, N.Y. pediatrician have come forward, alleging that they suffered from childhood sexual abuse under his care as children.

This large group of alleged victims is now pursuing a civil lawsuit against the former doctor, Stuart Copperman according to the New York Times.

Copperman, who is now 84 years old, reportedly used a home office for more than 35 years after he opened his practice in 1965, and during this time acted as the pediatrician for thousands of children in the Merrick and Bellmore areas.

Copperman is no longer a practicing pediatrician, but not solely because of his age. Indeed, his medical license was revoked back in December 2000—after a group of six women testified in front of the Board of Professional Medical Conduct that Copperman had molested them as children in the 70s and 80s. According to the LI Herald, this testimony, the patients were between the ages of 14 and 20 at the time of the sexual abuse.

Even though this was the testimony that got Copperman’s medical license revoked, the board had previously received a “steady stream” of complaints of sexual abuse against Copperman, according to the New York Times.

The former patients who have come forward with allegations against Copperman are filing a civil lawsuit under the Child Victims Act of New York. The Act, passed by the New York State Legislature in January, expanded the statute of limitations until the victim turned 55 in civil cases and until they turn 28 for criminal prosecution.

After the bill went into effect, victims also had an additional one-year window in which to come forward to prosecute, no matter their age or the time that had passed since the abuse took place.

On just the first day of the Child Victims Act, hundreds of child sex abuse claims were reportedly filed. The majority of these claims were against Catholic priests, but others included the Boy Scouts of America or various schools were abuse allegedly took place.

Filing a Childhood Sexual Abuse Lawsuit

Sadly, sexual assault can happen anywhere—even in organizations we often trust like schools, hospitals, workplaces, and more. Litigation often includes claims against the organizations which allowed the abuse to take place along with the perpetrators of abuse themselves.

If you or someone you love has been a victim of childhood sexual abuse, even if that abuse occurred years or decades ago, you may be able to join this lawsuit investigation.

Filing a lawsuit can, of course, never take away from the pain, suffering, and trauma caused by sexual abuse, but it can help to provide monetary compensation for your pain—as well as hold those responsible accountable for their actions and inactions.

Filing a lawsuit can be a daunting prospect, especially after the trauma of sexual assault, so Top Class Actions has laid the groundwork for you by connecting you with an experienced attorney. Consulting an attorney can help you determine if you have a claim, navigate the complexities of litigation, and maximize your potential compensation.

This article is not legal advice. It is presented
for informational purposes only.