How does a trusted medical professional become the subject of multiple lawsuits for abuse? For many, the unfolding legal battle involving Dr. Todd has raised unsettling questions about trust, ethics, and accountability in healthcare.
Over the past year, numerous former patients have come forward with disturbing allegations against Dr. Todd—claims that range from inappropriate conduct during exams to more serious accusations of manipulation and coercion. These reports have sent shockwaves through the medical community and ignited urgent conversations about patient rights in doctor abuse cases.
As the lawsuits progress, more information is coming to light, detailing the specific allegations made by multiple patients, the timeline of reported incidents, and how institutions may have failed to respond.
In the following sections, we break down the key accusations against Dr. Todd, examine the legal response so far, and explore what this means for accountability and reform in the medical profession.
What Are the Main Accusations in the Lawsuits Against Dr. Todd?
A Disturbing Pattern of Misconduct
The allegations against Dr. Derrick Todd are both extensive and deeply troubling. At the heart of the lawsuits is the claim that Dr. Todd performed invasive and non-consensual examinations under the pretense of legitimate medical care. Plaintiffs allege that these actions spanned over a decade and involved hundreds of patients, some of whom were underage at the time of the alleged abuse.
What makes this case particularly alarming is not only the nature of the abuse but also the setting in which it occurred: reputable hospitals and clinics, where patients should expect to be protected, not preyed upon.
Alleged Abuse Under Medical Pretext
Dr. Todd is accused of disguising sexual misconduct as routine medical examinations. Patients report being subjected to:
- Pelvic and rectal exams unrelated to their conditions
- Unwarranted breast and testicular exams
- Being touched inappropriately without explanation or consent
In numerous instances, patients sought care for joint pain, arthritis, or autoimmune issues—none of which typically require the kind of examinations Dr. Todd allegedly performed. This deviation from standard medical practice is at the center of the malpractice and assault claims.
Breach of Informed Consent
Under medical ethics and legal standards such as those outlined by the American Medical Association (AMA) and Massachusetts General Laws Chapter 112, §5, physicians are obligated to obtain informed consent before performing any procedure. Many plaintiffs allege they were never informed about the nature or necessity of the procedures Dr. Todd conducted.
Failing to obtain informed consent breaches ethical duties and violates patients’ legal rights, potentially constituting battery under civil tort law.
Institutional Negligence and Complicity
The lawsuits extend beyond Dr. Todd himself. Institutions like Brigham and Women’s Hospital and Charles River Medical Associates are named for alleged negligence, including:
- Ignoring formal and informal complaints from patients and staff
- Failing to investigate reports of misconduct
- Retaining Dr. Todd in clinical roles despite red flags
This negligence raises serious concerns about how medical institutions vet, monitor and discipline healthcare professionals. According to the doctrine of respondeat superior, an employer can be held liable for the wrongful acts of its employees if those acts were committed within the scope of employment.
Legal Claims Brought Forward
The civil lawsuits filed in Suffolk Superior Court include several key legal claims:
- Sexual Battery – For unwanted and unlawful physical contact
- Medical Malpractice – For deviating from accepted medical standards
- Negligence – For failing to prevent foreseeable harm
- Negligent Supervision and Retention – For allowing Dr. Todd continued access to patients
- Intentional Infliction of Emotional Distress – Due to the psychological trauma suffered by patients
In addition, Dr. Todd faces criminal charges in Middlesex County, including two counts of rape. These charges reflect the most serious allegations and may result in a prison sentence if he is convicted.
The Scope of the Allegations
The scale of the case is staggering: over 200 victims spanning multiple decades, multiple hospitals, and countless procedures. Victims range widely in age and background, with a consistent thread of betrayal and harm. Some patients describe suffering in silence for years, unsure of whether what happened was normal or even reportable.
This magnitude underscores systemic failures in the reporting, investigation, and accountability processes within healthcare settings.
Psychological and Emotional Fallout
Beyond physical violations, victims report long-term psychological harm, including:
- Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD)
- Depression and anxiety
- Mistrust of medical professionals
- Avoidance of necessary medical care
These experiences not only affect the victims’ mental health but can also worsen their physical conditions if they delay or avoid seeking future medical treatment.
Implications for the Medical Community
This case may set legal and regulatory precedents for how complaints against physicians are handled. It brings renewed focus on the importance of patient advocacy, whistleblower protection, and institutional accountability.
States like Massachusetts are under pressure to strengthen protections for patients, including mandatory reporting requirements and independent oversight bodies. Failure to act could mean the perpetuation of abuse by other professionals in positions of power.
In exposing the allegations against Dr. Derrick Todd, this case serves as a sobering reminder that trust in the medical field must be earned and safeguarded. The victims’ bravery in coming forward may ultimately help reshape the landscape of patient safety in healthcare.
