Rockefeller University and Rockefeller University Hospital are facing allegations that they were aware that a former professor and doctor they employed sexually abused minor patients for decades but failed to take adequate action to protect youth.

If you or someone you love experienced sexual abuse by a doctor at Rockefeller University Hospital, you may have a legal claim.

Rockefeller University Reaches Out to Potential Victims in 2018

In September 2018, Rockefeller University Hospital sent a letter to former patients of Dr. Reginald Archibald asking about their interactions with him. The hospital also posted a statement online to announce that it had learned Dr. Archibald “engaged in certain inappropriate conduct during patient examinations.” The hospital was reportedly informed in 2004 about a report of inappropriate behavior by Dr. Archibald during examinations.

According to Rockefeller University Hospital, Dr. Archibald began working at the hospital in the 1940s and maintained medical staff privileges until 1982. He studied childhood growth and maturation.

Dr. Archibald died in 2007.

Investigation Finds Doctor Sexually Abused Patients

The hospital said that several former patients had come forward with allegations Dr. Archibald sexually abused them while treating them at Rockefeller University Hospital. The hospital subsequently reached out to a law firm to conduct an investigation, the results of which were made public in May 2019.

More than 900 individuals reportedly contacted the law firm to provide information about their experiences with Dr. Archibald, or on behalf of others.

“Based upon all of the information collected, it is clear that Archibald, taking advantage of his position as a trusted and respected physician and researcher, engaged in a widespread pattern of misconduct and sexually abused many children at the Hospital over the course of many years when offering patients medical care and treatment,” reads the report.

The investigation found that the sexual abuse allegations were credible and that Rockefeller University Hospital had access to information that suggested Dr. Archibald may have engaged in misconduct with some of his minor patients.

According to the report, Dr. Archibald engaged in sexual misconduct such as fondling patients, pulling on patients’ erect penises, touching patients while they were naked and sitting on his lap, and brushing up against patients’ genitals with his face. He also reportedly took semen samples from patients without sufficient medical or research justification.

“We cannot now know with certainty how all of the relevant information available at the time was interpreted, as many witnesses are deceased or have failing memories,” the report says.

“With the benefit of hindsight, however, and viewed in light of today’s greater knowledge of sexual abuse and current standards of appropriate practices and procedures for studies and treatment of children, there were warning signs that could have been seen, appreciated or further pursued earlier.”

Rockefeller University Hospital Faces Numerous Lawsuits

Since the report was made public, many of Dr. Archibald’s alleged victims have opted to take legal action against Rockefeller University Hospital. In August 2020, the Poughkeepsie Journal reported that a lawsuit was being filed on behalf of 80 of Dr. Archibald’s alleged victims.

“It’s really the same story over and over again,” attorney Jennifer Freeman told The Poughkeepsie Journal. “This doctor put child patients in his exam room, locked the door and sexually abused them.”

Some allege that the university hospital knew about the abuse for decades, but failed to protect the children in their care.

200 of Dr. Archibald’s former patients are being represented by attorney Paul Mones.

What’s most outrageous is they knew going back for decades about this man, and what they did is typical of large institutions: They protected the institution over the safety and welfare of the children,” attorney Mones told BuzzFeed News in May 2019.

While the report ultimately concluded that Dr. Archibald abused his patients, Mones criticized the report for at times downplaying the university’s role in the abuse—for failing to act on concerns about Dr. Archibald that had been apparent for years or decades.

Rockefeller University Hospital has reportedly already reached more than 200 settlements with victims of Dr. Archibald. The details of these settlements are not public.

If you or a loved one were sexually abused by Dr. Archibald, you may be able to join the fight to hold Rockefeller University Hospital accountable for failing to keep numerous children safe. You could be entitled to compensation for your emotional distress and other injuries you have experienced due to the sexual abuse. Submit your information now to find out if you qualify to join the Rockefeller University Hospital sexual abuse lawsuit investigation.

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