Former Patients Must Register In Suit Over Hopkins OBGYN Accused Of Using Hidden Camera
BALTIMORE (WJZ)—Thousands of women who may have been secretly photographed by a Johns Hopkins gynecologist must register if they want to be part of a possible class action settlement in the case.
Derek Valcourt explains attorneys are launching an all-out effort to get those patients to come forward.
Johns Hopkins Hospital continues to deny liability but has agreed to enter into settlement negotiations. But those women need to register in order to be part of the case.
"You hold physicians to the highest of standards," said Tyesha Bell.
Bell is one of more than 4,000 women who have come forward so far after allegations that her former Hopkins OBGYN, Dr. Nikita Levy, used cameras hidden in a pen to secretly photograph or video record his patients during their gynecological visits.
An observant co-worker turned him in.
"And it's just very unnerving that I possibly could have been directly affected. It's sickening," Bell said.
Other women allege inappropriate behavior and touching by Levy, who took his own life after authorities began conducting an investigation.
"It's been extraordinarily upsetting to many of the women," said attorney Jonathan Schochor.
Schochor chairs the Plaintiff's Steering Committee, which will represent Levy's former patients in settlement negotiations with Hopkins Hospital.
The case is moving forward as a mandatory settlement class action--meaning any of Levy's patients must register if they ever want to receive money from any kind of settlement with Hopkins.
Hopkins now lists about 12,600 women as Levy's former patients.
Lawyers say more than two-thirds have yet to come forward.
"I would urge any former patient who feels wronged, betrayed, who has suffered significant damage as a result of what has occurred here to step forward and register so that we may actively represent them," Schochor said.
There is no deadline yet for these women to register. There will be one if Johns Hopkins and the plaintiffs can reach a settlement.
For more information of how Levy's patients can register for the mandatory settlement class action, click here or call 1-855-731-7491.
Other Local News:
