By Kristen Gibbons Feden, Anapol Weiss Shareholder
As an attorney who has dedicated my career to advocating for victims of sexual abuse, I am deeply moved by the recent conviction of Upper East Side urologist Darius Paduch. This case is a stark reminder of the systemic failures that allow predators to exploit their positions of trust. Paduch’s conviction for sexually abusing male patients, including underage boys, brings some measure of justice to his victims and highlights the critical role of legal advocacy in these battles.
Paduch, 55, was found guilty on all 13 counts related to his sexual abuse of eight patients, including six underage boys, between 2015 and 2019. The trial revealed the depths of his betrayal, as he misled his patients into believing that his abusive acts were medically necessary. Despite numerous complaints from both employees and patients, Paduch continued practicing without supervision, underscoring a disturbing lapse in institutional oversight.
This case brings to mind the landmark verdicts against Dr. Stuart Copperman, a pediatrician whose abuse lasted several decades. I had the privilege of supporting over 100 survivors in these cases, guiding them through the legal process and helping them achieve significant verdicts, at this time, totaling over half a billion dollars. The parallels between these cases are striking and deeply troubling. In both instances, trusted medical professionals exploited their positions to commit heinous acts, and institutions failed to act on early warnings. You can read more about the Copperman verdicts here: https://url.us.m.mimecastprotect.com/s/heMRCBB8ZYh7WZ35SzqX3D.
The courage of Paduch’s survivors, much like those who came forward against Copperman, is a testament to the strength of survivors everywhere. Over 200 men have accused Paduch of molestation, revealing the staggering scope of his abuse. Their willingness to speak out has been instrumental in holding Paduch accountable and preventing further harm.
As someone who has represented and continues to represent numerous survivors, I understand the profound impact these violations can have. It is crucial for survivors to know they are not alone and that justice can be pursued. If you or someone you know has been a victim of sexual abuse, please feel free to contact me today. As a former prosecutor and current litigator, I can walk you through all the steps necessary to obtain the justice you deserve.
At my practice, I am committed to providing the support and expertise needed to navigate these challenging situations. Here are some resources for survivors:
- RAINN (Rape, Abuse & Incest National Network): The largest anti-sexual violence organization in the U.S. provides confidential support through its hotline and online chat.
- National Sexual Violence Resource Center (NSVRC): Offers resources and information on sexual violence prevention and response.
- Survivor support groups: Many communities have local groups that provide a safe space for survivors to share their experiences and receive support.
If you need legal advice or representation, please reach out to me, Kristen Gibbons Feden. My mission is to advocate for the rights of survivors and ensure that those responsible are held accountable.
The recent jury verdict against Paduch and the several awards I obtained in the Copperman matter affirms that these heinous acts will not be overlooked. The pending civil cases will ensure that the institutions which prioritized profits over patient safety face consequences for their indifference.
We must remain vigilant and proactive in addressing allegations of abuse to protect the vulnerable. Survivors deserve to be heard, believed, and supported in their pursuit of justice. The convictions of Paduch and Copperman are steps in the right direction, but they also remind us of the ongoing need to fight for accountability and reform within our institutions.