Doctor Sexual Misconduct Lawsuit: Former Brigham and Women’s Physician Accused — Patients Still Eligible to File

Patients trust doctors with their lives — and their dignity. When that trust is violated, the impact is devastating.

When that safety is exploited, the damage goes far beyond the physical.

A former specialized care physician has faced a class action lawsuit against more than 200 women and several men. These plaintiffs filed a consolidated lawsuit against Dr. Derrick Todd, a former rheumatologist at Brigham and Women’s Faulkner Hospital, accusing him of sexual misconduct disguised as medical treatment.

Reports indicate that multiple individuals have stepped forward, describing inappropriate and non-consensual contact during medical examinations.

This is not an isolated issue. Across the United States, survivors are speaking out against doctors, therapists, chiropractors, and other healthcare providers who used their position of authority to exploit vulnerable patients.

If you or someone you love experienced unwanted touching, invasive procedures without explanation, or any form of sexual violation by a medical professional, you may still be eligible to pursue legal action — even if it happened years ago.

Firsthand Accounts of Derrick Todd’s Abuse

In the video below, two former patients of Dr. Derrick Todd courageously share their experiences publicly in October 2023, nearly two years ago. Their stories were featured in a televised news report with CBS News Boston, where they describe how routine medical appointments turned into deeply violating encounters. Their bravery is a powerful reminder that survivors deserve to be heard, believed, and supported.

Laura Cappello is another patient who trusted Dr. Derrick Todd, a respected rheumatologist, to help her safely have another child. Instead, her appointments became frighteningly invasive. Todd would schedule her last, dismiss staff, and perform painful, unnecessary pelvic exams, ignoring her discomfort and manipulating her into believing he was the only doctor who could help. She later learned she was not alone — nearly 250 patients have come forward, accusing Todd of grooming, coercion, and sexual abuse under the guise of medical care. Despite repeated warnings, hospitals and regulators failed to act, letting the abuse continue. Now, Cappello and others are speaking out, seeking justice and protection for future patients.

What Counts as Medical Sexual Misconduct?

Sexual abuse in healthcare settings does not always look like an obvious assault. It can involve:

• Unnecessary or prolonged genital exams without valid medical reason

• Being touched inappropriately without gloves

• Being asked sexual questions unrelated to treatment

• Being told to undress entirely when not medically required

• Being left feeling violated, confused, or humiliated after an exam

If something felt wrong, confusing, or shameful, it likely was not appropriate medical conduct.

You Are Not Alone — And You Have Legal Rights

At Ketterer, Browne & Davani, LLC, we represent survivors of medical sexual abuse, misconduct, and assault across Massachusetts and the United States.

We understand the courage it takes to come forward. Many clients stay silent for years — some even questioning whether they were “overreacting.” But when multiple patients report similar experiences with the same doctor, it becomes clear:

This was not a misunderstanding. It was a violation.

Can I Still File a Lawsuit?

Yes — even if:

• You never filed a complaint

• You were unsure whether it “counted” as abuse

• The doctor has since been fired or retired

• The misconduct happened years ago

• You were a minor or sedated patient at the time

Massachusetts law allows victims of sexual assault by medical professionals to pursue claims long after the incident, especially when part of a larger pattern or class action investigation.

If the abuse occurred in another state, your rights still apply — and we can help determine which jurisdiction your case falls under.

Our Commitment to Survivors

We believe:

No doctor is above accountability. No patient should feel powerless.

We handle every case with confidentiality, compassion, and strength. You will not be pressured. You will not be judged. You will be heard.

Contact Us for a Confidential, Free Case Evaluation

If you believe you were violated by Dr. Derrick Todd, or any other physician — at Brigham and Women’s Hospital or any other medical facility — you can still take legal action now.

Contact Ketterer, Browne & Davani, LLC today.

You don’t have to relive it alone.
We stand with survivors — and we are ready to fight for you.