More than 200 former patients have filed lawsuits accusing Dr. Derek J. Todd, a former rheumatologist at Brigham and Women’s Hospital in Boston, of sexual abuse disguised as medical treatment. These civil claims are now part of a consolidated proceeding in the Massachusetts Superior Court. At the same time, Dr. Todd faces criminal charges related to two patient assaults.
The allegations cover more than a decade. Patients say Dr. Todd conducted invasive exams with no medical justification. The exams often involved intimate body parts, took place without gloves or chaperones, and were described as painful or sexually suggestive. Some patients were minors at the time. Others say they only realized years later that the exams had no clinical purpose.
Legal action is active on two fronts. Civil lawsuits are moving forward in Suffolk County, where a Master Complaint now brings together over 200 claims. Criminal charges are pending in Middlesex County, including a January 2025 indictment for rape. Dr. Todd is no longer practicing medicine. He signed an agreement in 2023 with the Massachusetts Board of Registration in Medicine barring him from treating patients.
Contact Dolman Law Group to discuss your case with a Dr. Derek Todd sexual abuse lawyer and take the first step toward healing and vindication. Call (857) 407-4182 and discover how we can help you.
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Overview of Allegations Against Dr. Todd
Patients allege that Dr. Todd (often spelled “Derrick Todd” in media reports) misused his role as a physician to perform unnecessary pelvic, breast, rectal, and testicular exams during routine visits. These incidents reportedly occurred at.
- Brigham and Women’s Hospital
- Brigham and Women’s Faulkner Hospital
- Charles River Medical Associates in Framingham
Complaints describe exams that were prolonged, painful, or conducted without consent or proper procedure. In some cases, Dr. Todd used personal text messages to contact patients and offered to serve as their primary care provider despite not being assigned to that role. Exams often occurred outside of regular hours or without any medical staff present.
The lawsuits also allege institutional negligence. The plaintiffs say Brigham and Women’s, Faulkner Hospital, and Charles River Medical Associates failed to monitor Todd’s conduct and missed or ignored red flags. The suits assert that hospital leadership knew or should have known about the misconduct and failed to intervene.
Dr. Todd had no formal disciplinary history until 2023. However, two doctors filed internal complaints with Brigham and Women’s in April. By July, Todd had resigned under pressure and agreed to stop practicing. Civil lawsuits followed, along with a criminal investigation and formal charges.
Examples from Civil Lawsuits Against Dr. Todd
The legal filings include graphic claims of abuse disguised as care.
- Women say Todd performed pelvic exams with his hands, without gloves or instruments, often leaving them in pain.
- Teens and adult women allege he conducted breast exams not tied to any complaint or diagnosis.
- Men report unjustified rectal and genital exams during rheumatology visits.
- Plaintiffs describe inappropriate comments and questions unrelated to treatment.
In many cases, Dr. Todd is said to have bypassed standard safeguards. He allegedly performed exams without a nurse present and failed to follow medical protocol, such as using lubricant or protective gloves. Several patients say they were contacted directly and asked to follow up with Todd personally, not through office staff.
The abuse allegedly began in 2010 and continued until 2023. Victims range from children to older adults. Most say they only recognized the abuse after learning of other complaints and speaking with attorneys or law enforcement.
Institutional Failures
In addition to suing Dr. Todd, plaintiffs are holding his employers accountable. The lawsuits argue that Brigham and Women’s, Faulkner Hospital, and Charles River Medical Associates failed to supervise Todd and protect patients.
Key allegations include.
- Allowing Todd to perform sensitive exams without oversight
- Ignoring internal concerns raised by other medical professionals
- Failing to implement safeguards after early complaints
- Retaining Todd despite red flags about his conduct
One lawsuit references an April 2023 internal complaint by two physicians. That complaint triggered the hospital’s first formal review, raising questions about why no earlier intervention occurred.
Timeline of Key Events
- In April 2023, Brigham and Women’s received internal complaints from two physicians. An investigation began. Todd was restricted from performing certain exams.
- June 2023. Todd has been placed on administrative leave. One alleged assault occurred this month.
- July 2023. Todd resigns under pressure. Authorities and past patients are notified.
- September 2023. Todd signs a Voluntary Agreement Not to Practice with the Massachusetts Board of Registration in Medicine.
- October 2023. The Boston Globe reports the allegations. Civil lawsuits are filed in state court.
- October 11, 2023. A consolidated Master Complaint is filed in Suffolk County Superior Court.
- Late 2023. The number of plaintiffs exceeds 200. Cases are assigned to one judge.
- March 27, 2024. A revised Master Complaint is filed with 206 named plaintiffs.
- January 17, 2025. Dr. Todd is indicted on two counts of rape in Middlesex County.
- Early 2025. Both civil and criminal proceedings continue. No trial dates have been set.
Legal Rights for Survivors in Massachusetts
Massachusetts law gives patients strong protections regarding bodily autonomy and consent. Physicians must obtain informed consent before performing any exam or procedure. That consent must be voluntary and based on accurate information about the nature of the exam.
When a doctor uses their role to perform unnecessary, harmful, or sexually invasive procedures—especially under the guise of legitimate care—it may be grounds for civil legal action. Even if a patient consented at the time, that consent may be invalid if it was based on deception or a breach of professional duty.
Survivors are asserting claims including.
- Sexual battery
- Medical malpractice
- Intentional infliction of emotional distress
- Negligent supervision by medical institutions
These claims are filed under Massachusetts civil law and can be brought alongside complaints filed with licensing authorities. In this case, the Massachusetts Board of Registration in Medicine acted quickly once formal complaints surfaced. Dr. Todd has since agreed not to practice medicine.
Legal action allows survivors to seek compensation and helps ensure accountability for the doctor and the institutions that failed to intervene.
Filing a Lawsuit Against Dr. Derek Todd
If you were a patient of Dr. Todd and believe you were harmed, you may still have time to file a sexual abuse lawsuit. Many claims are already pending, but additional cases can still be added.
The civil litigation is proceeding in Suffolk County Superior Court. Even though the lawsuits have been consolidated for efficiency, everyone is treated as an individual plaintiff. That means your case and compensation would be assessed on their own merits.
Filing begins with a confidential consultation with an attorney. You’ll be asked about your experiences with Dr. Todd, the types of exams he performed, and how those encounters affected you. If your case qualifies, your lawyer will prepare and file a legal complaint to join the ongoing litigation.
Most cases are filed under court-ordered privacy protections. Your identity can remain confidential, and you don’t need to speak publicly. Attorneys handling these cases often work with trauma-informed professionals and will guide you through every step.
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Class Action vs. Individual Claim
The lawsuits against Dr. Todd are sometimes described as a class action, but that’s not technically accurate. The legal process is known as a “mass tort,” where individual lawsuits are grouped due to shared facts and defendants.
In this case:
- Each person files their own claim
- Each case is evaluated separately
- No single settlement will be divided among everyone
This structure allows the court to address common legal issues—like Dr. Todd’s conduct or the hospitals’ oversight—while giving each plaintiff a chance to present their specific injuries and damages.
If a global settlement is proposed later, it will likely include compensation tiers based on individual harm. Filing your claim now ensures you can be included in any resolution.
Statute of Limitations for Medical Sexual Abuse in Massachusetts
Time limits apply to civil sexual abuse claims in Massachusetts, but there are important exceptions—especially in cases involving delayed discovery.
- For adults. The general deadline is three years from the date of the incident. However, that clock may start when the person discovers (or reasonably should have discovered) that the conduct was abusive.
- For minors. The deadline typically doesn’t begin until the survivor turns 18.
In cases involving Dr. Todd, many patients only recently realized that the exams they received were abusive. Because of that, they may still have time to file—even if the exams occurred years ago.
Statutes of limitations are fact-specific. Speaking with an attorney is the best way to determine whether your claim is valid under Massachusetts law.
Compensation for Survivors of Dr. Todd’s Sexual Abuse
Survivors of Dr. Derek Todd’s alleged abuse may be entitled to seek financial compensation through a civil lawsuit. Damages can be awarded for both physical and emotional injuries, as well as economic losses caused by the abuse.
Possible compensation includes.
- Medical costs for injuries, infections, or follow-up care caused by the abuse
- Mental health treatment for trauma, anxiety, depression, or PTSD
- Lost income due to missed work or employment disruption
- Pain and suffering, including emotional distress and long-term effects
- Punitive damages in cases involving especially egregious misconduct
There’s no standard settlement amount. Each case is evaluated on its facts, including the nature of the abuse and its impact on your life. Filing a lawsuit allows survivors to present this evidence and request meaningful compensation.
What to Expect from the Legal Process
A civil lawsuit follows a structured process. While each case is different, most follow these general stages.
- Initial consultation. You speak privately with a lawyer to share your experience.
- Filing a complaint. If your case qualifies, your attorney files a lawsuit on your behalf.
- Consolidation. Your case becomes part of the broader litigation in Suffolk County.
- Discovery. Both sides gather evidence, such as medical records, depositions, and expert opinions.
- Negotiation or trial. Many cases are resolved through settlement. If not, your case could proceed to trial.
Your medical sexual abuse lawyer will handle communications, protect your identity, and advocate for your interests. You’ll be kept informed, but you won’t be pressured to relive your trauma in public.
Confidentiality and Support
Survivors of sexual abuse often hesitate to speak up out of fear of being identified or retraumatized. That’s why the legal process includes measures to protect privacy.
Your attorney can ask the court to:
- Keep your name confidential in public filings
- Seal sensitive records
- Limit public access to parts of your case
Most survivors do not need to testify in court, especially if their case is resolved through a settlement. You also have the right to support services, including referrals to therapists or survivor advocacy groups.
We understand how difficult it is to come forward at Dolman Law Group. We work with trauma-informed attorneys who prioritize your needs and help you regain control safely and respectfully.
How Dolman Law Group Can Help
If you believe Dr. Derek Todd harmed you during a medical visit, you don’t have to carry that burden alone. Our medical sexual abuse attorneys are here to answer your questions and help you decide what to do next—without pressure or obligation.
We offer:
- Free, confidential consultations by phone, video, or in person
- No upfront fees – you don’t pay unless we recover compensation for you
- Legal guidance from attorneys familiar with physician sexual abuse litigation
- Compassionate support at every stage of the process
We stay current on developments in the Dr. Todd litigation and ensure your claim is filed correctly, protected, and heard. Whether you’re ready to move forward or want more information, we’re here to help.
Contact a Medical Sexual Abuse Lawyer
If Dr. Derek Todd harmed you, speaking with a lawyer is the first step. Dolman Law Group is available for confidential, no-cost consultations. Everything you share stays private. We’ll explain your options and help you decide whether legal action is right for you.
Call (857) 407-4182 or use our secure online form to schedule your consultation. We’re ready to listen—on your terms, in your time.