Settlements in Healthcare Sexual Abuse Cases: What to Expect

Understanding What a Settlement Really Means

If you were sexually abused by someone in a healthcare setting, you’ve already faced a trauma no one should ever experience. You may be wondering if speaking up is worth it or whether going through the legal system will only make things harder. Those feelings are completely valid. For many survivors, a legal settlement becomes a way to find closure without facing a long, public trial.

At Horn Wright, LLP, our healthcare sexual abuse attorneys have helped people across New York who’ve gone through these deeply painful experiences. We know that no settlement can undo what was done. But it can help survivors regain control, find acknowledgment, and start moving forward on their own terms. This guide breaks down what you can expect, and what choices you’ll have, if you decide to pursue a settlement.

What Is a Settlement?

A settlement is a legally binding agreement that resolves a civil lawsuit outside of court. In the context of a healthcare sexual abuse case, it typically means the survivor and the institution or individual responsible reach an agreement that includes compensation and other terms. No courtroom appearances. No public trial.

A settlement can be a powerful tool. It allows survivors to:

• Avoid testifying publicly
• Protect their identity and privacy
• Receive financial support for recovery
• Resolve the legal process more quickly than a trial would

Settlements don’t mean your pain is any less real. Choosing not to go to trial doesn’t mean your story matters less. It means you are making the choice that feels right for your healing.

Who Might Be Responsible for Paying?

The answer often depends on who was involved and where the abuse occurred. In many cases, it’s not just the individual abuser who’s held accountable. Hospitals, clinics, or private practices may also bear legal responsibility if they failed to properly vet, supervise, or respond to warning signs.

Settlement payments typically come from:

• Medical malpractice insurers
• Healthcare facilities’ legal departments
• Employers of the abuser, such as hospitals or medical groups
• In rare cases, directly from the individual responsible

It’s not uncommon for survivors to feel unsure about who to hold accountable. That’s where an experienced legal team comes in. We investigate the full picture, looking at whether policies were ignored, complaints were mishandled, or background checks were skipped.

What Can Be Included in a Settlement?

Settlements are not one-size-fits-all. They can be crafted around your needs and your priorities. Some survivors want financial compensation to cover therapy or lost wages. Others want the institution to admit wrongdoing or implement real changes.

A settlement might include:

• Payment for pain and suffering
• Coverage for mental health counseling
• Reimbursement for time missed from work
• Future medical expenses
• Written apologies or acknowledgment of wrongdoing
• Commitments from the facility to update safety policies
• Termination or discipline of the person involved

You’ll never be forced to accept a settlement. Your legal team will review every offer with you, explain what each part means, and ensure it respects your dignity. You always get to decide if it’s enough.

Confidentiality: What You Can Keep Private

One of the most common questions we hear is: will people find out? Most settlements in healthcare sexual abuse cases are confidential. That means the details of the abuse, the identity of the survivor, and the amount of compensation are sealed from the public.

You may also have control over whether you can speak publicly about your experience. Some agreements include non-disclosure clauses. Others allow you to share your story while keeping legal or financial terms private. If you choose to be silent, that’s valid. If you choose to speak out, that’s valid, too. We help you build terms that support whichever path you choose.

Will You Have to Relive What Happened?

Understandably, many survivors hesitate to take legal action because they fear being retraumatized. With a settlement, you won’t have to stand in a courtroom and relive your experience in front of strangers. You may need to provide a statement or speak with your attorney about what happened, but the process is far more controlled.

If depositions or recorded interviews are required, you’ll be prepared in advance, supported throughout, and never forced to do anything you’re not comfortable with. Your voice will be heard, but in a way that prioritizes your well-being.

How Long Does a Settlement Take?

Some cases settle quickly. Others take time, especially if multiple survivors are involved or if the institution initially denies responsibility. Most healthcare sexual abuse settlements in New York are reached within several months to a couple of years.

What influences the timeline:

• Strength of the evidence and records
• Willingness of the institution to negotiate
• Ongoing criminal investigations, if any
• Whether other lawsuits are pending

It’s okay if you’re not ready to rush. A good legal team moves at your pace, ensuring you feel ready and supported through every phase.

Do You Have to Report to the Police First?

No. While criminal charges are completely separate from a civil settlement, they can happen at the same time. Some survivors choose to file a police report. Others do not. Both paths are valid.

What matters in a civil case is that harm occurred, and someone should be held accountable for it. You don’t need a criminal conviction to pursue compensation or answers.

If you do decide to file a report, your attorney can coordinate with law enforcement to help protect your privacy and make sure you aren’t overwhelmed by the process.

The Role of Oversight Agencies

In New York, two state agencies may also become involved in healthcare sexual abuse cases.

The New York State Department of Health can investigate hospitals and clinics accused of failing to prevent abuse. They have the authority to issue penalties, demand policy changes, and revoke certifications.

The Office of Professional Medical Conduct oversees the licensing and discipline of physicians. If a doctor abused you, this office can investigate and remove their license if appropriate.

While these agencies don’t provide compensation directly, their actions can support your case and help prevent future harm to others.

How Horn Wright, LLP, Supports Survivors

You deserve legal support that meets you where you are. At Horn Wright, LLP, we’ve worked with survivors from all walks of life, each with their own story and their own pace. Some want privacy. Others want to speak out. Some want to settle and move on quietly. Others want to challenge institutions in a visible way.

Whatever your goals, we help you get there. Our sexual abuse attorneys fight for settlements that reflect the real impact of what happened. That means more than just a dollar amount. It means listening to what justice looks like for you and building a legal strategy around that vision.

If you’ve been abused by a medical provider or while receiving care, don’t wait until you’re ready to take on the whole system. Just reach out. We’ll take it one step at a time, together.