Former Pediatrician Ordered To Pay $22 Million in Sexual Abuse Suit: A Landmark Judgment

In a groundbreaking legal decision, a Long Island judge has ordered former pediatrician Stuart Copperman to pay a staggering $22 million in compensatory and punitive damages. The lawsuit was filed by a brave 42-year-old woman, identified as Jane Doe A.R. I, who alleged that she suffered sexual abuse at the hands of Copperman from toddlerhood until she turned 18. This landmark ruling is the first to be handed down against Copperman, who faces over 100 similar pending claims from former patients.

A Long Overdue Verdict

Stuart Copperman, who has faced accusations of abusing numerous patients spanning decades, opted not to defend himself in this case and currently has no legal representation. He did not respond to requests for comment. The plaintiff, Jane Doe A.R. I, pursued this lawsuit under the New York State Child Victims Act. This legislation grants adult survivors of child sexual abuse the right to sue their abusers until they reach the age of 55. Criminal charges may also be filed until the victim’s 28th birthday.

Additionally, the law introduced a one-year window that allows individuals to file civil suits, regardless of their current age, for abuse that occurred in the past.

The Lifelong Impact of Abuse

In the recent judgment, Nassau County Judge Leonard D. Steinman acknowledged that the years of abuse inflicted severe and lasting psychological disorders upon the plaintiff, which persist to this day. This includes emotional distress, anxiety, and depression. Furthermore, the abuse has had a profound impact on her personal life, preventing her from maintaining normal romantic relationships and continuous employment. She now receives disability payments.

Steinman’s verdict states, “Copperman’s abuse has robbed plaintiff of a normal, healthy, and happy life,” emphasizing the permanent psychological scars left by the abuse. The plaintiff’s traumatic experiences, which included not speaking until she was five years old and developing a dissociative identity disorder, highlight the enduring consequences of sexual trauma.

The Alarming Legacy of Stuart Copperman

For decades, Stuart Copperman operated a successful pediatric practice in Merrick, N.Y., enjoying a stellar reputation as a compassionate physician who even made house calls in emergencies. He often saw young female patients alone in the examination room, claiming to provide them a safe space to speak freely without parental presence.

His reputation was so impeccable that when children and teenagers did report abuse, many parents simply didn’t believe them. Even though the Office of Professional Medical Conduct received numerous sexual abuse complaints over nearly two decades, Copperman wasn’t stripped of his medical license until December 2000, at the age of 65, when he was on the brink of retirement.

A shocking fact remains that two young women had testified about their abuse before a medical disciplinary panel in 1985, yet their allegations were dismissed. Prosecutors in Nassau County, where Copperman was the president of the local pediatric society, did not pursue criminal charges.

The Tragic Story of Jane Doe A.R. I

According to the judgment delivered last week, Stuart Copperman sexually assaulted Jane Doe A.R. I during every examination. These assaults included digital penetration of her vagina and anus, as well as stimulation of her clitoris, even when she sought medical attention for unrelated issues like a sore throat or cough.

Copperman insisted on examining her even when the appointment had been scheduled for her sister, whom she accompanied. The plaintiff, although confused and uncomfortable during these examinations, didn’t fully grasp the extent of the abuse until she was older and no longer his patient.

The trauma inflicted upon her, both emotionally and physically, led to a myriad of symptoms, including loss of self-esteem, shame, humiliation, and continued emotional distress.

Seeking Justice and Closure

While Stuart Copperman did not contest this lawsuit, the judgment is a significant step toward justice for Jane Doe A.R. I and serves as a stark reminder of the long-lasting impact of sexual abuse. Her courageous pursuit of legal action under the Child Victims Act has set a precedent and encouraged others to come forward with their stories.

This verdict reaffirms the importance of accountability in cases of abuse by physicians, highlighting the need for stringent oversight and consequences for perpetrators. It’s a testament to the strength of survivors and the dedicated legal professionals who stand by their side.

Source: Former Pediatrician Ordered To Pay $22 Million in Sexual Abuse Suit | The New York Times

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