South Shore Medical Center Sexual Abuse Lawsuit
Marshfield Woman Sues Pediatrician and South Shore Medical Center for Sexual Abuse
A woman from Marshfield has filed a civil lawsuit against her former pediatrician, Dr. Richard Kauff, and South Shore Medical Center. The suit accuses Kauff of sexually assaulting her during medical examinations when she was a minor. This lawsuit is one part of a broader wave of accusations against Dr. Kauff. He was previously indicted in 2024 on 20 counts of sexual assault, including child rape and assault and battery on minors under 14. The charges stem from claims made by 15 former patients, as a trusted pediatrician at South Shore Medical Center for decades.
According to the civil suit, the Marshfield woman was Kauff’s patient from age 2 to age 17. During annual visits, which included routine physical exams, Kauff allegedly performed inappropriate pelvic exams that involved digital penetration. This occurred over a period of more than 10 years. The woman claims these assaults happened while her mother was in the examination room. This disturbing detail raises questions about the medical center’s oversight of Kauff’s conduct. The lawsuit claims that the abuse caused significant emotional and psychological harm, preventing the victim from enjoying a normal life.
More Allegations Against South Shore Medical Center and Dr. Kauff
In addition to the Marshfield woman’s claims, five other women have filed a civil suit against Kauff and South Shore Medical Center. These claims all accuse the Doctor of conducting unnecessary pelvic and vaginal exams. They also claim that he was engaging in other inappropriate physical contact during medical visits. The incidents, allegedly occurring between 1989 and 2004, have left the women with severe emotional distress and lasting psychological harm. The plaintiffs allege negligence, emotional distress, and battery, further highlighting the troubling patterns of behavior that have led to widespread legal action against both Kauff and his longtime employer. These allegations show that Kauff used the examinations on his patients for his own personal satisfaction. Kauff took advantage of many young women and children with no legitimate medical purpose.
The Broader Context and Implications
Dr. Richard Kauff’s arrest and the subsequent charges highlight a disturbing trend of medical professionals abusing their positions of trust. As of January 2025, dozens of more have come forward with accusations against Kauff. Although legal constraints such as the statute of limitations have limited the number of cases that can be prosecuted. These lawsuits not only seek justice for the victims but also hold institutions like South Shore Medical Center accountable for their failure to protect patients.
The case also underscores the broader issue of medical professionals exploiting their authority for personal. It sheds light on the importance of strict oversight within healthcare institutions. The lawsuits may prompt wider discussions about how hospitals and medical centers monitor staff conduct and the mechanisms in place to report abuse.
How KBA Attorneys Can Help
If you or someone you know has been affected by abuse in a medical setting, KBA Attorneys is here to help. Our firm has a wealth of experience in handling complex cases of medical negligence and sexual abuse. This includes cases involving pediatricians and healthcare providers. KBA Attorneys understands the sensitive nature of these cases and we are ready to help you fight for justice.
KBA Attorneys’ Expertise and Commitment
Ketterer, Browne & Associates (KBA) are widely recognized as some of the preeminent trial attorneys in the country. Particularly in the area of plaintiff’s complex civil litigation, including civil rights cases and catastrophic injury. KBA has the capacity and experience to take on the most powerful of entities. KBA has extensive experience taking on and recovering from large institutions. Including those that have vast resources to silence potential claims against it.
Whether it’s through negotiating settlements or pursuing cases to trial, KBA Attorneys ensures that victims of abuse receive the justice and compensation they deserve. Our firm’s expertise in handling complex abuse cases means that victims can rely on us to guide them through what can be an emotionally difficult and legally challenging process.
Conclusion
Cases like the one filed against Dr. Kauff and South Shore Medical Center reflect the devastating impact of medical abuse on victims and the need for strong legal advocacy. KBA Attorneys is here to help those who have experienced similar violations of trust in healthcare settings. With years of experience handling complex abuse and negligence cases, KBA Attorneys wants fight for the rights of all victims. Our goal is to ensure that all of our clients have the support they need to seek justice. If you or a loved one has suffered from medical abuse, don’t hesitate. Contact KBA Attorneys for a free consultation.