If you're here, it means you’re seeking answers. Perhaps you were a patient of Dr. Derek J. Todd—or maybe you’re beginning to question an interaction you once trusted. Whether you're looking for clarity, support, or legal options, please know this: you are not alone, and help is available.

At File Abuse Lawsuit, we stand beside survivors of sexual abuse—especially those who were harmed by individuals in positions of trust, like medical professionals. You may be carrying confusion, shame, or pain, but those feelings do not define you. We believe you. We support you. And we are here to fight for the justice and healing you deserve through a Dr. Derek Todd sexual abuse lawsuit.

Who Is Dr. Derek Todd, and What Are the Allegations?

Dr. Derek J. Todd, a former rheumatologist based in Massachusetts, is currently facing both criminal charges and civil lawsuits brought by more than 200 former patients. These courageous individuals have come forward to allege that Dr. Todd performed invasive and unnecessary medical exams that had no legitimate medical basis.

These were not isolated incidents. The allegations span more than a decade—dating back to 2010—and involve numerous respected institutions, including Brigham and Women’s Hospital, Faulkner Hospital, and Charles River Medical Associates.

According to public records and court filings, many of the survivors allege:

• They were subjected to prolonged and painful pelvic, rectal, breast, or testicular exams that were not medically necessary.
• Dr. Todd often performed these exams without gloves, chaperones, or proper documentation.
• Some survivors were minors at the time. Others report they trusted his authority as a physician until they learned of similar reports from other patients.
• Many appointments were scheduled outside normal hours or in private settings, raising additional concerns about the intent behind these encounters.

Survivors also allege that Dr. Todd violated boundaries in other ways, such as making lewd or inappropriate comments, asking invasive personal questions unrelated to medical care, or contacting patients directly via text messages.

A Pattern of Abuse—And Institutional Failures

Perhaps most troubling is the suggestion that this pattern of abuse could have been prevented. Several lawsuits assert that the institutions employing Dr. Todd “knew or should have known” about his conduct. They accuse these organizations of negligent supervision, hiring, and retention—arguing that proper oversight was either absent or ignored.

The abuse continued for years, despite multiple red flags. In one reported case, it wasn’t until April 2023, when physicians at Brigham and Women’s raised internal complaints, that Dr. Todd was formally investigated. By then, over a decade of alleged abuse had already taken place.

In June 2023, Brigham and Women’s Hospital placed Dr. Todd on administrative leave. And yet, the harm had already been done. Survivors across Massachusetts—and possibly beyond—are still coming to terms with what happened.

Legal Action Is Underway—You Still Have Time to Come Forward

As of early 2025, both criminal and civil proceedings are active. In January, a Massachusetts grand jury indicted Dr. Todd on two counts of rape, related to medical exams that allegedly turned violent.

In parallel, over 200 survivors have joined a civil lawsuit in Suffolk County Superior Court. This legal action—called a Master Complaint—unites the voices of many individuals into one coordinated case. It accuses Dr. Todd and the institutions that employed him of sexual assault, medical negligence, and institutional misconduct.

If you were a patient of Dr. Todd—even if it was many years ago—you may still be eligible to join this lawsuit or file your own individual claim. You do not have to go through this alone.

What Does Filing a Lawsuit Involve?

We understand that the idea of taking legal action might feel overwhelming. After what you’ve experienced, the last thing you need is added stress. That’s why we’ve designed a three-step process to make seeking justice as straightforward and supportive as possible:

1. Reach Out Confidentially

Start by calling our confidential hotline or submitting our secure online form. This first step is simply a conversation. You can share as much or as little as you feel comfortable. We’re here to listen without judgment and answer your questions.

2. Connect With a Compassionate Attorney

If you're ready to move forward, we’ll connect you with a skilled attorney in your area who has experience handling cases just like yours. They will walk you through your rights, explain the legal process, and support you every step of the way.

3. Receive Ongoing Legal and Emotional Support

From the moment you choose to pursue your case, your legal team will be by your side—gathering evidence, filing paperwork, negotiating with the defendants, and representing you in court if needed. But we do more than just legal work. We’ll also connect you with trauma-informed counseling and other survivor support services, because your healing is just as important as your case.

What Compensation Can Survivors Receive?

Civil lawsuits provide more than just justice—they offer tangible support for your recovery. You may be entitled to compensation for:

• Medical expenses related to physical injuries or complications
• Counseling and therapy for emotional trauma, PTSD, anxiety, and depression
• Lost income or employment opportunities
• Pain and suffering, including emotional distress and loss of trust
• Punitive damages in cases of gross misconduct, meant to punish wrongdoing and deter others

Compensation is never a replacement for what you’ve endured—but it can be a crucial step in helping you rebuild your life.

Your Privacy Matters

We recognize how deeply personal and painful these experiences can be. That’s why we take extraordinary steps to protect your identity and ensure your comfort throughout the legal process.

Many lawsuits involving sexual abuse are filed under pseudonyms or initials, and we can request protective orders to keep sensitive details out of public records. You will never be forced to speak publicly or face your abuser in court unless you choose to.

Your legal team will act as a shield between you and the legal system, so you can focus on what truly matters—your healing.

What If You’re Unsure About What Happened?

It’s incredibly common for survivors of medical sexual abuse to feel conflicted, confused, or even unsure if what they experienced was abuse. That confusion does not mean your experience is invalid. In fact, it’s a sign of just how manipulative and exploitative these situations can be.

Survivors of Dr. Derek Todd have shared stories of how they didn’t recognize the abuse until years later—after seeing news reports or hearing from other patients. Many assumed the discomfort they felt was part of legitimate care. Others rationalized the exams because Dr. Todd held a respected position and seemed confident in his approach.

Here are some red flags that may indicate your care was inappropriate:

• You received sensitive exams (pelvic, breast, rectal, or genital) that felt excessive, painful, or unrelated to your medical condition.
• The doctor performed the exam without gloves, without a chaperone, or in a way that felt sexual or invasive.
• You were told to return for follow-up exams that seemed unnecessary or were scheduled outside normal clinic hours.
• You received texts or personal contact from the doctor outside of a clinical context.
• You were a minor, and there was no parental notification or explanation for the exam.
• You felt shame, confusion, or anxiety following the appointment that didn’t make sense to you at the time.

If any of these apply to your experience, we urge you to reach out. You don’t need to have all the answers to start the conversation. We can help you sort through what happened, explore your legal rights, and give you a safe space to process.

Your Rights as a Patient

As a patient, you have the right to:

• Informed consent for any exam or procedure.
• Privacy and bodily autonomy during all medical interactions.
• A chaperone present during sensitive exams.
• Clear explanations of what a doctor is doing and why.
• Freedom from inappropriate questions or physical contact.

When a medical provider abuses their position of trust, it’s not just unethical—it may be a violation of civil and criminal law. That’s what this lawsuit against Dr. Derek Todd is about: holding him and the institutions that enabled him accountable for breaching the most sacred trust between doctor and patient.

Holding Medical Institutions Accountable

The civil lawsuits against Dr. Todd don’t just name him individually—they also pursue damages from the hospitals and clinics that allowed this conduct to continue. That includes:

• Brigham and Women’s Hospital
• Brigham and Women’s Faulkner Hospital
• Charles River Medical Associates

These institutions had a duty to supervise their physicians, review complaints, and prevent patient harm. When signs of abuse were ignored or dismissed, these organizations became complicit.

If you were harmed while under their care, you may have legal claims not only against Dr. Todd, but also against the medical institutions that failed to protect you. This is about more than money—it’s about driving real change in how healthcare systems respond to red flags.

Why Survivors Choose File Abuse Lawsuit

At File Abuse Lawsuit, we bring more than 120 years of combined legal experience to each case—but what sets us apart is our commitment to survivors. Here’s why so many have chosen us to represent them:

• We Listen First.

Before we ever talk about paperwork, we listen to your story. You are a human being—not a case file. We honor your experience and your right to tell your story on your terms.

• You Stay in Control.

You decide how much to share, whether to move forward, and how involved you want to be. We’ll walk beside you, but we’ll never pressure you.

• We Fight Relentlessly.

We are trial-ready and unafraid to take on major institutions. We’ve secured over $400 million in compensation for survivors and have a proven reputation for results—even against powerful defendants.

• You Get Personal Attention.

You’ll work directly with your lawyer and our Managing Partner. Your calls will be returned. Your emails answered. Your story respected.

• No Upfront Costs.

We work on a contingency fee basis, which means you don’t pay us anything unless we recover money for you. There’s zero risk to you—only the chance to get the justice you deserve.

Whether you choose to file a lawsuit or not, we will connect you with supportive resources, including trauma-informed counseling, survivor support networks, and other avenues of care.

What Happens If You Join the Lawsuit?

If you decide to join the consolidated lawsuit against Dr. Todd:

• Your identity can be kept confidential.
• Your case will be added to the Master Complaint already filed in Suffolk County.
• Your individual experience will still matter—this is not a class action where you’re lost in the crowd.
• You may be eligible for compensation based on your unique harms, including emotional trauma, physical injury, and lost income.

You’ll have a dedicated legal team managing your case, guiding you through the discovery process, and ensuring your voice is heard.

There is no obligation if you reach out. We provide free consultations so you can explore your options without pressure.

Time May Be Limited—But There’s Still Hope

In Massachusetts, the statute of limitations for civil sexual abuse claims is more flexible than in many other states. In many cases:

• The three-year clock doesn’t start until you realize the abuse occurred.
• If you were a minor, the clock often doesn’t start until your 18th birthday.

But time is still an important factor. Filing a claim now protects your right to participate in any future settlement and ensures your experience is documented before key evidence is lost.

Even if you’re unsure whether your case qualifies, a simple conversation with an attorney can provide the clarity you need.

Consult an Experienced Lawyer About the Dr. Derrick Todd Sexual Abuse Lawsuit 

Survivors of sexual abuse often carry the weight of silence. But silence doesn’t protect the innocent—it protects those who harm. By coming forward, you not only take back control of your story—you help create a safer world for others.

You are not broken.
You are not to blame.
And you are not alone.

At File Abuse Lawsuit, we are here to walk beside you—to fight, to support, and to believe in your strength. Contact us at (209) 283-2205 or through our online form to discuss your case and legal options during a free, no-obligation consultation.

No pressure. No obligation. Just support, understanding, and clear answers.

Let today be the day you choose yourself.