Dr. Derrick Todd Sex Abuse Lawsuit Settlement

This page looks at the growing tide of lawsuits alleging that Boston area doctor Derrick Todd, M.D., at Bringham and Women’s Hospital sexually abused hundreds of females.

A growing number of women—228 and counting—have come forward and filed lawsuits alleging that Dr. Todd performed unnecessary pelvic and rectal exams on them for his own sexual gratification. This page will look at who is eligible to file a lawsuit against Dr. Todd and what the potential settlement value of these cases could be.

Doctor Sex Abuse Lawsuits

News and Updates in Dr. Derrick Todd Sexual Abuse Lawsuits

February 16, 2025 – Frustration and Pace of Criminal Proceedings

Victims are frustrated remain frustrated by the slow pace of criminal case against Dr. Todd and the fact that he is out on only $10,000 in bail given the volume of allegations that emerged.

Our lawyers believe the civil litigation will continue to expand. We are still signing up new cases.

January 21, 2025 – Dr. Todd Indicted for Rape

Last week, a grand jury in Middlesex County, MA indicted Dr. Todd on two counts of rape. The rape charges are based on 2 incidents that occurred in December 2022 and June 2023 in which Dr. Todd is accused of sexually assaulting female patients with totally unnecessary rectal and vaginal “exams” that had no medical purpose and were done for Dr. Todd’s sexual gratification. The details of the rape charges are basically the same as the allegations being made by a growing number of Dr. Todd’s former patients who are filing sexual abuse lawsuits against him.

Dr. Todd is scheduled to return to Middlesex Superior Court on February 11 for a scheduling conference. Somehow, Dr. Todd is only being held on $10,000 bail.

January 12, 2025 – Over 200 Todd Sexual Assault Lawsuits

Over 200 women have joined civil lawsuits against Dr. Todd. These cases, consolidated from Middlesex and Suffolk Counties, allege widespread inappropriate conduct by this former rheumatologist under the guise of medical examinations.

About Dr. Derrick Todd

Dr. Derrick Todd was well known doctor in the Boston area for many years. Dr. Todd is a rheumatologist, so he primarily treated people for arthritis and joint conditions. Dr. Todd practiced at Brigham Women’s Hospital in Boston and Charles River Medical Associates in Framingham Massachusetts. Dr. Todd practiced in the Boston area from 2009 to 2023.

Dr. Todd went to medical school at the University of Massachusetts Chan Medical School. Following medical school, Dr. Todd completed his residency in Internal Medicine at Massachusetts General Hospital. He then did a Fellowship at Brigham and Women’s Hospital.

Lawsuits no claims that began sexually abusing patients in 2010. The suitd also accuses several other defendants, including Brigham and Women’s Faulkner Hospital and Charles River Medical Associates, of being aware of the abuse and failing to take action to stop it.

Frequently Asked Questions About the Dr. Derrick Todd Lawsuits

Who is eligible to file a lawsuit against Dr. Derrick Todd?

Anyone who was a patient of Dr. Derrick Todd and experienced sexual assault, inappropriate touching, or misconduct during a medical exam may be eligible to file a lawsuit. This includes patients who were subjected to unnecessary pelvic, rectal, or breast exams or who received inappropriate messages or comments from Dr. Todd.

Is there a deadline to file a lawsuit against Dr. Todd?

Yes. While Massachusetts law allows some flexibility under the discovery rule,. But you would rather not rely on that. Most survivors have three years from the date they realized the harm caused by the abuse to file a claim. But if it has ben more than three years, you should not give up. Statutes of limitation are complex, and deadlines can vary depending on the circumstances. If you believe you have a claim, it is critical to act as soon as possible to protect your legal rights.

What is the status of the lawsuits against Dr. Todd?

As of February 2025, more than 228 former patients have joined lawsuits against Dr. Todd. These cases have been consolidated in Suffolk and Middlesex County courts. Meanwhile, a grand jury has indicted Dr. Todd on two counts of rape, and the criminal case is proceeding separately.

What damages can I recover in a sexual abuse lawsuit?

Survivors of sexual abuse may be entitled to significant financial compensation, including:

– Medical expenses (therapy, counseling, and other treatments)
– Lost wages or reduced earning capacity
– Pain and suffering for emotional trauma
– Punitive damages, if the institution that employed Dr. Todd was negligent in preventing the abuse

Our lawyers have estimated Dr. Todd settlement amounts will range from $400,000 to $1.5 million per plaintiff, depending on the severity of the assault and the trauma to the victim. Could they go higher than $1.5 million? Absolutely.

Can I sue Brigham and Women’s Hospital or Charles River Medical Associates?

Yes. Lawsuits against Dr. Todd also name Brigham and Women’s Hospital, Charles River Medical Associates, and supervisory staff as defendants. These lawsuits argue that these institutions failed to protect patients by allowing Dr. Todd to continue practicing despite red flags and internal complaints about his conduct. If the hospital had prior knowledge of his behavior and did not take action, it could be held liable.

Do I need to testify in court?

Theoretically. But,practically, it is very unlikely. These cases are being put together for settlement. The institutions really want to resolve these claims. Our guess is that none of these cases go to trial and they all eventually settle. Our legal team works very hard to make the process as comfortable and private as possible for survivors.

What if I never reported the abuse when it happened?

You can still file a lawsuit even if you never reported the abuse to anyone at the time. This is not a criminal case. The standards are very different and there is no obligation to report the abuse before a lawsuit is filed.

How do I file a Dr. Todd sex abuse lawsuit and ho much will it cost me?

There is no upfront cost to bring a Dr. Todd lawsuit with our law firm. Our team fronts all costs and expenses. We only get compensation if we get settlement compensation or a jury award.

Filing a lawsuit is a straightforward process with legal assistance. Attorneys will:
– Provide a free case review to determine eligibility.
– Gather evidence and build a strong case.
– File the lawsuit before the legal deadline expires.
– Negotiate a settlement or prepare for trial if necessary.

Rape and Sexual Assault Allegations Against Dr. Todd

In 2023, allegations of inappropriate sexual touching began to emerge from a growing number of Dr. Todd’s female patients. According to reports from the Boston Globe, Dr. Todd was forced to resign from Brigham Women’s Hospital after two of Todd’s fellow doctors at the hospital lodged complaints which led to an internal investigation. Dr. Todd was also forced to leave his private clinical practice at Charles River Medical Associates. The hospital also reported Todd’s departure to the Department of Public Health and the Board of Registration in Medicine.

Nearly all of the former patients of Dr. Todd are women and their allegations against the doctor indicate a very similar pattern of abuse. Under the guise of providing “primary care” or preventative care to certain female patients, Dr. Todd would bring the patients in for a physical examination.

During the exam, Dr. Todd would have the patients disrobe or wear a gown. Then Dr. Todd would subject the patients to completely unnecessary vaginal, breast, and rectal examinations involving excessive and non-clinical forms of touching. The examinations had no medical purpose and were done for Dr. Todd’s sexual gratification.

Some of Dr. Todd’s victims claim that he followed up and compounded his sexually abusive examinations by contacting them through text outside the office setting. Dr. Todd would also ask the patients inappropriate and personally invasive questions, both during the examinations and afterward, through private texts.

Lawsuits Against Dr. Todd

In October 2023, a group of Dr. Todd’s former patients filed a pair of class action lawsuits against him and against his former employers, including Brigham Women’s Hospital and Charles River Medical Associates. The first Dr. Todd sexual abuse lawsuit was filed on October 11, 2023 and the second lawsuits was filed just two weeks later. To date, over 200 plaintiffs have joined these lawsuits alleging that they were sexually abused by Dr. Todd.

The defendants in these lawsuits include not only Dr. Todd himself, but also his former employers: Brigham Women’s Hospital and Charles River Medical Associates. The lawsuit claims that the hospital and the medical practice were negligent in failing to properly supervise, train and monitor Dr. Todd as their employee.

Both of the lawsuits also name as defendants 4 doctors who were the owners and/or executive officers of Charles River Medical Associates, the clinical practice where Dr. Todd worked.

Civil Lawsuits for Sexual Abuse in Massachusetts

Under Massachusetts law, any survivor of sexual abuse or assault possesses the right to initiate a civil lawsuit and pursue financial compensation. Victims can bring a sexual abuse lawsuit in Massachusetts irrespective of whether criminal charges were filed in connection to the abuse. Notably, survivors retain the right to bring a civil lawsuit even if they never reported or disclosed the abuse to anyone at the time it occurred.

Initiating a civil lawsuit for sexual abuse is a straightforward process—victims only need to be willing to provide testimony about the abuse under oath. Supporting the claims can involve presenting additional evidence. Victims who bring civil sexual abuse lawsuits, especially against dirty doctors like Dr. Todd, can get significant financial compensation.

Massachusetts Adult Sexual Assault Statute of Limitations

Massachusetts law allows adult survivors of sexual abuse to bring civil claims under specific circumstances. The statute of limitations for these cases depends on when the survivor discovered the harm caused by the abuse.

Generally, survivors have three years from the date of the abuse to file a claim. But under the delayed “discovery rule”, they may file within three years of recognizing the connection between the abuse and the damages they have suffered. This rule acknowledges that survivors may take significant time to process the abuse and its impact. While Massachusetts has made strides in expanding legal options for survivors of child sexual abuse, adult claims are still subject to more restrictive timelines, emphasizing the importance of timely legal action.

(CC v. B.L. is a new appellate opinion from December 2024, albeit unreported, that is worth a read if you are looking at the discovery rule in sexual abuse and assault lawsuits and for the Derrick Todd lawsuit in particular.)

Timeline of Dr. Derrick Todd’s Criminal and Civil Legal Proceedings

April 2023

Initial Complaints Filed

Two brave physicians at Brigham and Women’s Hospital step up. They report concerns about Dr. Derrick Todd’s improper medical exams, prompting an internal investigation.

Summer 2023

Patient Complaints Surface

Following the hospital’s investigation, former patients start coming forward with their stories of Dr. Todd’s inappropriate sexual contact during medical appointments. The stories are similar. inappropriate and invasive medical exams conducted under the guise of legitimate treatment.

Our law firm starts getting calls from victims.

September 2023

Dr. Todd Stops Practicing Medicine

Dr. Todd agrees to stop practicing medicine amid growing allegations of sexual misconduct.

October 11, 2023

Class Action Lawsuit Filed

A Derrick Todd class action lawsuit is filed in Suffolk Superior Court on behalf of more than 60 former patients, alleging sexual abuse by Todd and negligence by the institutions that employed him.

July 1, 2024

Master Complaint Filed

The initial civil lawsuits are consolidated into a master complaint, now representing over 200 plaintiffs.

The defendants include Dr. Todd, Brigham and Women’s Hospital, Brigham and Women’s Faulkner Hospital, Charles River Medical Associates, and various administrators accused of failing to prevent the abuse.

January 17, 2025

Grand Jury Indicts Dr. Todd

A Middlesex County grand jury formally indicts Dr. Derrick Todd on two counts of rape, following an investigation into criminal allegations against him.

The indictment signals that prosecutors believe there is sufficient evidence for the case to proceed to trial.

January 17, 2025

Dr. Todd Arraigned, Pleads Not Guilty

Dr. Todd appears in court for his arraignment and enters a not guilty plea to the charges of rape.

The criminal case is now set to move forward through the pretrial and trial process.

January 19, 2025

Lawsuits Surge

There are now 228 women who have filed lawsuits.

February 16, 2025

More Patients Come Forward

New claims continue to emerge as former patients seek legal action related to Todd’s alleged misconduct.

Both criminal and civil cases will proceed concurrently in the Massachusetts courts.

Estimated Settlement Amounts for Dr. Todd Sex Abuse Lawsuits

Cases alleging sexual abuse by doctors consistently have a high settlement payouts. Our lawyers anticipate that the sex abuse lawsuits against Dr. Todd will have an individual settlement range between $400,000 and $1,500,000.

One factor that could potentially push the value of the Dr. Todd sex abuse lawsuits significantly higher is whether Dr. Todd’s former employers (the hospital and his practice group) had prior knowledge about his conduct. It is rare the signs and symptoms are not there to be seen. If they knew or had reason to know that Dr. Todd was performing inappropriate sexual examinations, and did nothing about it, these defendants have significant liability and will be willing to settle if they know what is good for them. Honestly, it is hard to imagine a scenario where these lawsuits go to trial.

How Are Sex Abuse Settlements Calculated?

Calculating settlement payouts in lawsuits involving serious allegations such as sexual assault can be complex and highly individualized, depending on the specifics of each lawsuit But there are common threads in calculating settlement amounts in sex abuse cases we can apply to these claims against Dr. Todd.

There are three kinds of compensable injuries in these lawsuits: tangible (economic), intangible (non-economic), and punitive damages.

Economic Damages

Few sex abuse lawsuits have significant economic damages. Economic damages are quantifiable costs directly associated with the incident. They can include:

Medical Expenses: Costs for immediate and ongoing medical treatment resulting from the assault, including therapy and counseling.
Lost Wages: Compensation for any time the victim was unable to work due to the assault. We often see victims who cannot work after suffering a sexual assault at the hands of a doctor with allegations like those presented against Dr. Todd.
Loss of Earning Capacity: If the assault has long-term effects on the victim’s ability to earn a living, this can also be considered.

Non-Economic Damages

Non-economic damages are what sex abuse lawsuits are really about. The human suffering that comes from sexual abuse is what drives jury payout which in turn impacts settlement amounts. These damages include:

Pain and Suffering: This refers to the physical and emotional distress caused by the doctor’s sexual assault. Emotional distress and loss of enjoyment of life are really subcategories of pain and suffering. This umbrella term covers everything you have endured and will endure from the cruel abuse you have suffered—worry, grief, stress, humiliation, anxiety, etc.
Emotional Distress: For mental suffering, including anxiety, depression, PTSD, which doesn’t always have a direct financial cost but significantly affects the victim’s life.
Loss of Enjoyment of Life: Compensation for the victim’s reduced ability to enjoy daily life activities.

Punitive Damages

In some cases, if the defendant’s actions were particularly egregious, punitive damages might be awarded. These are intended to punish the wrongdoer and deter similar conduct in the future. Getting punitive damages against the doctor is easy in successful cases. The key is getting punitive damages against the hospital or other institution that has the deeper pockets to pay such a settlement.

Institutional Accountability in Massachusetts Doctor Abuse Cases

Victims of sexual abuse by doctors, including Dr. Derrick Todd, may also have legal claims against the institutions that employed these individuals. Lawsuits against Brigham and Women’s Hospital and other facilities in Massachusetts often allege negligence in supervising, investigating, and disciplining abusive doctors. These claims highlight systemic failures that allowed preventable harm to occur.

Hospitals and medical practices have a critical responsibility to ensure patient safety. This is obvious. Allegations in lawsuits against Brigham and Women’s Hospital and other Massachusetts healthcare institutions say these facilities did not do what was obvious and their inadequate oversight and failure to act on warning signs or complaints about doctors’ sexual misconduct. By failing to establish robust safeguards or properly investigate concerns, these institutions reall are complicit in enabling the sexual assault of women.

Contact Us About a Sex Abuse Lawsuit Against Dr. Derrick Todd

More and more former patients of Dr. Todd are continuing to come forward to report that they were victims and bring civil lawsuits. If you were a former patient of Dr. Todd and you were subjected to inappropriate sexual touching during his treatment, you may be able to bring your own sex abuse lawsuit and get financial compensation.

Call us today at 800-553-8082 or contact us online.