On Sept. 19, Judge Sylvester B. Cox of the Baltimore City Circuit Court overruled objections to the $190 million settlement between the Johns Hopkins Hospital System and victims of gynecologist Dr. Nikita Levy. Dr. Levy was charged with making unauthorized recordings of his female patients with a disguised camera during gynecological examinations. Judge Cox ruled that the settlement was fair, reasonable, and met the legal standard for a class action claim. The Cochran Firm, D.C. is providing legal representation to a large number of Dr. Levy's victims.
“We are pleased with the results of the court proceeding as we work toward securing justice for women who were victimized by Johns Hopkins Gynecologist Dr. Nikita Levy,” David Haynes, The Cochran Firm, D.C.’s managing attorney and Member of the Plaintiffs’ Steering Committee, said. “After the legal process concludes, it is my and the firm's hope that Dr. Levy’s victims will be able to put these tragic and traumatizing incidents behind them and move forward with their lives.”
The Sept. 19 fairness hearing was conducted to resolve objections filed by two attorneys and one by a self-represented patient. Attorneys’ fees and expenses in the settlement will be discussed at an Oct. 2nd hearing. The $190 million settlement was proposed earlier this year on July 21.
If the settlement is approved, the compensation fund will be overseen by a fund administrator who will be appointed by the court. A panel of attorneys and psychologists will evaluate victims to determine their damages and the women will be compensated accordingly.
At The Cochran Firm, D.C., our experienced trial attorneys are proud to fight for the rights of women who have been unjustly taken advantage of and marginalized by powerful defendants. The $190 million settlement is reported to be the largest of its kind in U.S. history and sends a message to other healthcare providers that they will be held responsible for traumatizing invasions of privacy committed by their employees. Hopefully, the results in the Levy case will result in additional oversight of hospital employees and greater safety protections for patients.
