A Long Island judge has issued a monumental ruling, ordering former pediatrician Stuart Copperman to pay a staggering $22 million in compensatory and punitive damages to a 42-year-old woman who alleges she was sexually abused by him from the time she was a toddler until she turned 18. This ruling marks the first decision against Copperman, who has face numerous accusations of sexual abuse from numerous patients spanning several decades. Over 100 other civil claims against him remain pending.
Interestingly, Mr. Copperman chose not to defend himself in this case and is currently without legal representation. He did not respond to requests for comment on the matter.
The plaintiff, known only as Jane Doe A.R. I, brought this lawsuit forward under the New York State Child Victims Act, a law that grants adult victims of child sexual abuse the right to sue their abusers until their 55th birthday. Furthermore, prosecutors can file felony criminal charges on behalf of victims until they reach their 28th birthday.
The aforementioned law also provides a one-year window that allows individuals to file a civil suit at any age, regardless of when the alleged abuse occurred. However, many attorneys are hesitant to take on cases against individuals due to the low likelihood of recovering damages. Jane Doe A.R. I was fortunate to be represented by attorneys Michael Della and Kristen Gibbons Feden, the latter famously known for prosecuting Bill Cosby and now part of a Philadelphia-based firm.
In the late decision rendered by Nassau County Judge Leonard D. Steinman, he stated that the years of abuse caused severe and long-lasting psychological disorders, as well as ongoing emotional distress, anxiety, and depression for the woman. The judge expressed how the abuse had hindered her ability to maintain a normal and healthy romantic relationship, stating that she has never dated. Despite her high education and intelligence, she cannot sustain continuous employment and relies on disability payments.
Judge Steinman stated, “Copperman’s abuse has robbed plaintiff of a normal, healthy, and happy life. The psychological scars resulting from the abuse are permanent.”
Jane Doe A.R. I experienced such trauma from the abuse that she did not speak until the age of five and developed a dissociative identity disorder. It is imperative to understand that sexual trauma has lasting effects on an individual’s life.
Mr. Copperman had a successful pediatric practice in Merrick, N.Y., where he enjoyed a reputation as an excellent physician who even made house calls and was sought after as an expert speaker. Unfortunately, it seems that he took advantage of his position, often seeing young female patients alone in the examination room while parents waited in the reception area. Shockingly, many parents did not believe their children’s complaints of abuse due to his esteemed reputation.
Despite numerous sexual abuse complaints against Mr. Copperman received by the state’s Office of Professional Medical Conduct over a span of nearly two decades, his medical license was not revoked until December 2000, when he was 65 years old and ready to retire. Two young women testified against him in 1985, alleging abuse before a medical disciplinary panel, but the panel, which was largely composed of physicians, did not believe them. Prosecutors in Nassau County also did not press criminal charges, despite his role as president of the local pediatric society.
According to the recent judgment, Mr. Copperman assaulted Jane Doe A.R. I during every examination, digitally penetrating her vagina and anus, and stimulating her clitoris, even when she visited him for unrelated ailments such as a sore throat or cough. He insisted on “examining” her even when appointments were made for her sister, whom she accompanied.
The plaintiff felt confused and uncomfortable with the doctor’s actions but did not fully comprehend that it constituted abuse until she grew older and stopped being his patient. The constant abuse continues to cause her emotional distress, physical symptoms, and loss of self-esteem, leading to shame and humiliation.
Jane Doe A.R. I’s attorney, Mr. Della, expressed a desire to cross-examine Mr. Copperman and truly challenge him; however, he believes that this ruling brings them as close to justice as they could have hoped for. Efforts will be made to collect any assets Mr. Copperman may possess.
Overall, this case highlights the severity and lifelong consequences of sexual trauma, emphasizing the importance of securing justice for victims, even when facing significant challenges.
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