Fighting for Survivors of Sexual Abuse by Dr. Richard Kauff
Shepard O’Donnell is now pursuing claims of sexual abuse against Dr. Richard Kauff.
Disturbing information is coming to light of the sexual abuse of dozens of children by pediatrician Dr. Richard Kauff during the course of his 40-year practice. Dr. Kauff practiced out of the South Shore Medical Center.
If you think you may have been a victim of sexual abuse by Dr. Kauff, call us for a free, no-obligation case evaluation. You will receive dedicated, personal attention from an experienced lawyer who truly cares about what’s happening to you and is committed to seeking justice in your case.
A Pattern of Abuse
Late in 2023, a woman asked a seemingly benign question in a Facebook group about whether it is normal for a doctor to have conducted invasive vaginal examinations on her during yearly checkups when she was a girl. The answer to her question was a resounding “NO.” After another woman reached out to her privately to share a similar experience, they determined that each had been a patient of Dr. Richard Kauff when they were children. They soon realized that they had been sexually abused by Dr. Kauff and both women filed separate police reports.
As reported in the Boston Globe, one of the women said that while a medical staff member would initially be in the exam room, medical staff were not present during the alleged assaults. She stated that on occasion her mother would be present in the room during her exam, but stated that Dr. Kauff, who she described as a man with a broad frame, would position himself in a way that would block her mother’s view from observing what Dr. Kauff was doing under her hospital gown.
After the allegations were reported in the news, dozens of other victims came forward with similar experiences, including that the doctor routinely asked them to count to three before inflicting the abuse. Survivors continue to press criminal charges and file lawsuits against Dr. Kauff to get the compensation they deserve and hold him accountable for his actions. The number of plaintiffs is now more than twenty, some of whom are still minors, and that number is expected to grow.
How Victims of Physician Sexual Abuse Can Get Compensation
While Dr. Kauff will rightfully face criminal charges and likely spend considerable time behind bars, that alone does not entitle victims to financial compensation. In order to recover monetary damages for physician sexual abuse, you will need to file a civil lawsuit not just against the doctor himself but also the institutions that knew or should have known of his misconduct.
How Long Do I Have to Bring A Lawsuit for Sexual Abuse of a Minor
In Massachusetts, a lawsuit brought by a sexually abused minor must be filed within 35 years of when the abuse occurred or within seven years of the time the victim discovered or reasonably should have discovered that an emotional or psychological injury or condition was caused by the abuse, whichever period expires later. This time limit can be tolled until the victim turns 18, which means that you effectively have 35 years from the time you turned 18 to file a lawsuit.
Sexual abuse is a traumatic experience and can have life-long physical and psychological effects on survivors. Conversations about sexual abuse can be difficult but our compassionate and supportive sexual abuse lawyers are ready to listen to your story. Call us at (800) 451-4471. There is no fee to reach out and share your experience – our conversations will always be kept confidential – and we will tell you honestly if we think you have a valid claim. If so, we will aggressively fight for your right to financial compensation and hold the perpetrator accountable for the harm done to you.