Current:Home > ContactTestimony begins in civil case claiming sexual abuse of ex-patients at Virginia children’s hospital -AdvancementTrade
Testimony begins in civil case claiming sexual abuse of ex-patients at Virginia children’s hospital
View
Date:2025-04-13 23:49:42
NEW KENT, Va. (AP) — Testimony has begun in a civil trial against a Virginia hospital that treats vulnerable children, its owner and its former medical director in a lawsuit filed by three former patients who allege they were touched inappropriately during physical exams.
The lawsuit names the Cumberland Hospital for Children and Adolescents, Universal Health Services and Dr. Daniel Davidow, the hospital’s longtime medical director, as defendants.
A total of 46 former patients are suing for $930 million. In the first case, three female patients allege that Davidow inappropriately touched them during femoral pulse exams. Davidow was acquitted of felony sex abuse charges against two other former patients after a criminal trial in April.
WTVR-TV reports that on the first day of testimony in the civil case Wednesday, psychotherapist Kent Radwani testified that while he was leading a group therapy session in 2016, a female patient shared that she was abused during a physical exam at the hospital. Radwani said another patient then spoke up and said she also had a similar experience. When he asked the group how many had had similar experiences, an estimated 11 out of 12 girls in the group said they had been abused, Radwani testified.
Kevin Biniazan, an attorney for the former patients, pressed Radwani for details on how the patients described the alleged abuse. Radwani said some claimed that Davidow fondled them, inappropriately touched them and inserted his finger into their vagina.
In opening statements, Davidow’s attorney, Bob Donnelly, said Davidow “unequivocally denies” the sexual assault allegations against him. Donnelly said the femoral pulse exam conducted by Davidow dates back to the 1960s and 1970s and is a “standard examination.”
Donnelly said Davidow tried to make patients feel more comfortable by having female chaperones, keeping patients clothed, and narrating the exam.
Universal Health Services attorney Joe Farchione challenged the plaintiffs’ argument that patients were held at the hospital for profit. He presented a medical record that indicated a serious health condition for one of the plaintiffs.
“The crux of this case is really the examination. If you find no sexual assault, then you don’t get to any other issues of the case,” Farchione said.
veryGood! (98484)
Related
- Gen. Mark Milley's security detail and security clearance revoked, Pentagon says
- Is the US job market beginning to weaken? Friday’s employment report may provide hints
- Good Earth recalls 1.2 million lights after multiple fires and 1 death
- Brown has 22, Porzingis returns with 20 as Celtics open NBA Finals with 107-89 win over Mavericks
- What were Tom Selleck's juicy final 'Blue Bloods' words in Reagan family
- Mexico Elected a Climate Scientist. But Will She Be a Climate President?
- NBA Finals Game 1 recap: Kristaps Porzingis returns, leads Celtics over Mavericks
- A Texas county removed 17 books from its libraries. An appeals court says eight must be returned.
- A South Texas lawmaker’s 15
- Takeaways from AP analysis on the rise of world’s debt-laden ‘zombie’ companies
Ranking
- McKinsey to pay $650 million after advising opioid maker on how to 'turbocharge' sales
- The ACLU is making plans to fight Trump’s promises of immigrant raids and mass deportations
- Tension soars as Israelis march through east Jerusalem, Gaza bombing intensifies and rockets land from Lebanon
- US cricket stuns Pakistan in a thrilling 'super over' match, nabs second tournament victory
- Friday the 13th luck? 13 past Mega Millions jackpot wins in December. See top 10 lottery prizes
- Vanna White sends tearful farewell to Pat Sajak on 'Wheel of Fortune': 'I love you, Pat!'
- Massachusetts House approves sweeping housing bill
- Kansas City Chiefs cancel practice after backup defensive lineman BJ Thompson has medical emergency
Recommendation
What to watch: O Jolie night
US achieves huge cricket upset in T20 World Cup defeat of Pakistan
Alex Jones seeks permission to convert his personal bankruptcy into a liquidation
T.J. Maxx's parent company wants to curb shoplifting with a police tactic: Body cameras
Chuck Scarborough signs off: Hoda Kotb, Al Roker tribute legendary New York anchor
No arrests yet in street party shooting that killed 1, injured 27 in Ohio
Billie Eilish and Nat Wolff come to blows in dizzying 'Chihiro' music video: Watch
Baby Reindeer Alleged Real-Life Stalker Fiona Harvey Files $170 Million Lawsuit Against Netflix