Columbia University Agrees to $750M Settlement for Hadden Victims

Columbia University and New York-Presbyterian Hospital have agreed to a historic $750 million settlement with 576 victims of former gynecologist Robert Hadden, who abused hundreds of patients over decades while affiliated with the institutions. This agreement, approved by a New York court, is the largest per-plaintiff civil resolution in U.S. history, averaging $1.3 million per victim and bringing total payouts in related cases to over $1 billion. Victims and their attorneys emphasized that the settlement represents accountability for the institutions' long-standing cover-up and prioritization of reputation over patient safety. Evidence emerged that Columbia was aware of Hadden’s misconduct as early as 1995 but failed to act meaningfully for years. Hadden, who initially avoided jail time through a plea deal in 2016, was finally sentenced to 20 years in prison in 2023 after federal charges. Columbia University has publicly expressed regret and committed to supporting survivors and preventing future abuses.