The University of Southern California has announced a tentative agreement for a class action settlement. The settlement is for the claims involving alleged sexual abuse and harassment by Dr. George Tyndall.

Dr. George Tyndall was a gynecologist at USC, and treated hundreds of students over decades of work. Around 500 current and former students have made accusations against Dr. Tyndall, citing sexual misconduct. Some claims include Dr. Tyndall taking inappropriate photos, crude comments, groping, and forced patients to strip naked. Complaints date back as far as 1988. The accused actions happened over a period of decades, and the school knew of the claims. USC began an investigation in 2016, after allegations of improper pelvic exams came to light. However, USC did not terminate Dr. Tyndall until June 2017. Tyndall has denied the allegations and has not been charged with a crime. The proposed agreement will provide compensation ranging from $2,000 up to $250,000 to women who have claimed abuse. All of the class action members will receive a minimum of $2,500. Part of a statement from interim USC President Dr. Wanda Austin reads, “As of October 19, 2018, the university has reached agreement in principle on a $215 million class action settlement that will compensate students who received women’s health services from Dr. George Tyndall at USC’s student health center. Our Board of Trustees supports this settlement, which was reached in collaboration with plaintiffs’ counsel, and which will provide relief to those who have been impacted by this difficult experience. By doing so, we hope that we can help our community move collectively toward reconciliation. I regret that any student ever felt uncomfortable, unsafe, or mistreated in any way as a result of the actions of a university employee.”

Sexual Abuse Lawsuits

Unfortunately, sexual abuse or misconduct from a gynecologist, or other medical professionals, are not uncommon. Sometimes the sexual abuse or assault can happen without an individual realizing they have been a victim of abuse until years later, after reflection and awareness. At KBA Attorneys, we have worked with several women who have been through similar situations. We can help you confront your abuser and protect your legal rights. As we have previously reported, There are two systems for holding doctors who conduct sexual abuse during a medical examination accountable for their crimes, the criminal justice system and the civil justice system. Another alternative legal course is a class action, like this USC case. Original source: https://kbaattorneys.com/blog/entry/215-million-settlement-announced-usc-sex-abuse-class-action-lawsuit/