Fighting for Survivors of Sexual Abuse by John Tam
Shepard O’Donnell is now evaluating claims of sexual abuse against former Boston Children’s Hospital nurse John Tam, 33.
The recent indictment of Tam on multiple charges of indecent assault and battery involving at least two, but possibly more, teenage patients is deeply troubling. Tam pleaded not guilty in Suffolk Superior Court on Monday, July 27, 2026, to four counts of indecent assault and battery on a person age 14 or older and four counts of indecent assault and battery on a patient by a healthcare provider, according to CBS News.
If you think you may have been a victim of sexual abuse by Tam, 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.
The Timeline
September 2022
A 15-year-old boy underwent surgery at Boston Children’s Hospital. He was under anesthesia during the operation and when he woke up, found his nurse, Tam, “inappropriately touching his genitals.” The hospital reviewed the allegation and Tam remained employed, according to WCVB.
October 2023
An adult patient reported abuse by Tam to hospital staff and Marlborough police. According to Sgt. Zachary Attaway, charges were dropped after investigation.
January 2025
Police responded to Boston Children’s Hospital for a report of a sexual assault. According to the Suffolk County District Attorney, the minor victim had recently undergone surgery under anesthesia and Tam was responsible for performing vital checks after the surgery concluded. Tam told the victim’s mother to get her car and drive to the entrance so the patient could be discharged. Tam dressed the victim, took him to the first floor, and brought him into a single-stall bathroom despite the victim not indicating he needed to use the restroom. Tam then sexually assaulted the victim for approximately eight minutes, including fondling his genitals and offering to pull up pornographic material on his phone to make the victim erect, before wheeling him outside to his mother’s vehicle. When the victim’s mother became aware of the situation, she immediately alerted hospital staff.
How Victims of Sexual Abuse Can Get Compensation
In order to recover monetary damages for sexual abuse, you will need to file a civil lawsuit not just against the nurse 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.
