A former patient has filed a lawsuit against NewYork-Presbyterian Hospital in New York City, alleging that the institution covered up a sexual assault by a doctor in 2021. The patient, who remains anonymous, is suing the hospital and several staff members for their alleged involvement in the cover-up. The accused doctor, Dr. Zhi Alan Cheng, has been arrested and charged with felony rape and is awaiting trial.
According to the lawsuit obtained by HuffPost, the patient, a 19-year-old non-English speaker from South America, encountered Cheng at NewYork-Presbyterian Hospital in Queens. On June 20, 2021, Cheng allegedly performed an unnecessary rectal examination on the patient. Later that day, Cheng allegedly entered the patient’s room alone after unlocking the door with an employee ID. He then injected an unknown drug into the patient’s IV bag, causing her immense pain and loss of consciousness. Cheng proceeded to sexually assault her on video without her knowledge.
The lawsuit also implicates Dr. Sang Hoon Kim, another doctor named in the lawsuit, who allegedly made false statements in his procedure notes, failed to properly witness the exam, and did not mention the patient being rectally penetrated during the procedure.
After the assault, the patient notified a hospital employee about the painful injection she received, unaware that she had been sexually assaulted. The hospital conducted a lineup of male doctors, and the patient identified Cheng as the perpetrator. However, the hospital allegedly took no action and failed to document the lineup, notify the police, or suspend or terminate Cheng. They also did not collect any forensic evidence or offer the patient support services.
The lawsuit further accuses Dr. Christopher Daviess, another doctor named in the lawsuit, of delaying the patient’s release from the hospital to draw her blood for HIV testing without her consent or knowledge. Upon her discharge, Daviess provided the patient with discharge papers, including a “sexual assault bill of rights,” without informing her about the assault.
The patient only became aware of the assault more than a year later, in April 2023, when authorities informed her and her mother about the existence of footage showing Cheng assaulting her while she was unconscious. Cheng was arrested in December 2022 after another victim came forward with evidence of his crimes.
In response to the lawsuit, NewYork-Presbyterian Hospital expressed its shock and deep sadness at what the patient endured. The hospital stated that as soon as they were made aware of the case by the district attorney, Cheng was immediately placed off duty, banned from hospital property, and terminated. They emphasized their commitment to patient safety and care, adding that they have implemented additional training and are continuously reviewing their protocols to ensure the highest standards of patient safety.
However, one of the attorneys representing the patient, Adam Slater, criticized the hospital for failing to protect patients and highlighted the systemic nature of the issue. He encouraged other survivors to seek legal representation.
In conclusion, this lawsuit against NewYork-Presbyterian Hospital alleges a cover-up of a sexual assault committed by Dr. Zhi Alan Cheng in 2021. The patient accuses the hospital of failing to act on her report, providing false information in procedure notes, and withholding vital information from her. The hospital has expressed its shock and sadness, stating their commitment to patient safety. Legal representation is being encouraged for survivors of similar incidents.
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