New York Presbyterian Hospital Abuse Lawsuit: What Every Patient Should Know

Hospitals are meant to be safe havens, places where individuals receive care and healing during their most vulnerable moments. However, deeply unsettling allegations have emerged concerning Dr. Zhi Alan Cheng, a former gastroenterologist at New York-Presbyterian Queens Hospital. Patients and their families who believe they were victims of sexual assault Dr. Cheng allegedly committed deserve to understand their legal rights and avenues for seeking justice. Our firm is dedicated to providing guidance and support to those grappling with the aftermath of alleged sexual abuse in a healthcare setting. You are not alone, and pursuing justice and potential compensation is a path worth exploring.

The Disturbing History: Allegations of Abuse in a Trusted Medical Environment

The claims against Dr. Zhi Alan Cheng paint a harrowing picture of alleged betrayal within a medical facility. Court documents indicate that Dr. Cheng has pleaded guilty to multiple counts of rape and sexual abuse, stemming from alleged acts against both his acquaintances and, critically, his hospital patients. These are deeply disturbing revelations that strike at the core of patient trust and safety in healthcare. The Queens District Attorney's office has been involved in the investigation and prosecution of these serious allegations.

Understanding the Profound Impact of Sexual Assault in Healthcare Settings

Sexual assault within a healthcare setting represents a severe breach of trust and safety. Patients are often in compromised positions, relying entirely on medical professionals for their well-being. When abuse occurs in such circumstances, particularly when patients are sedated or unconscious, the violation is particularly egregious. The alleged actions of Dr. Cheng highlight how a medical professional can exploit this inherent power dynamic and patient vulnerability. Trauma can have lasting effects. As trauma expert Bessel van der Kolk stated, "Traumatized people chronically feel unsafe inside their bodies." This highlights the critical need for survivors to seek healing and justice.

The Alarming Reality: Statistics on Sexual Violence in Healthcare

Unfortunately, the issue of sexual assault in healthcare settings is not entirely unprecedented. Data from various sources underscore the need for continued vigilance. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), sexual violence is a significant public health problem in the United States, with over half of women and almost one in three men having experienced sexual violence involving physical contact during their lifetimes. (Source: CDC - About Sexual Violence) While these statistics are broad, they highlight the widespread nature of sexual violence, which can occur in various contexts, including healthcare.

The mental health consequences for survivors of sexual assault are often severe and long-lasting. Survivors commonly experience a range of reactions, including:

• Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD): Marked by intrusive thoughts, flashbacks, and avoidance behaviors.
• Depression and Anxiety: Persistent sadness, hopelessness, and excessive worry.
• Dissociation: Feelings of detachment from one's body, emotions, or surroundings as a coping mechanism.
• Trust Issues: Difficulty forming and maintaining healthy relationships due to a profound loss of trust.

As stated by the Rape, Abuse & Incest National Network (RAINN), "Sexual violence can have psychological, emotional, and physical effects on a survivor. These effects aren't always easy to deal with, but with the right help and support they can be managed." (Source: RAINN - Effects of Sexual Violence) This underscores the critical need for survivors to seek both healing and justice.

The Path to Justice: Your Legal Options for a New York Presbyterian Hospital Abuse Lawsuit

If you or a loved one were allegedly sexually abused or assaulted by Dr. Cheng while a patient at New York-Presbyterian Queens Hospital, you may have grounds to file a civil lawsuit. This legal action is distinct from any criminal proceedings and focuses on holding institutions accountable for damages incurred due to alleged negligence or misconduct. This means you may still have a claim even if:

• Your alleged abuser is no longer employed at the hospital.
• Your alleged abuser was never charged with or convicted of a crime (though in this case, a conviction has occurred).

You may be able to sue various parties in a civil sex abuse case, depending on the circumstances of the abuse. These can include:

• Individual Perpetrator: The person who allegedly committed the abusive acts.
• Institutions and Organizations: If the alleged abuse occurred within a hospital setting and the hospital allegedly failed to prevent or address it, it might be held liable for negligent hiring, supervision, or retention.

Civil lawsuits for a New York Presbyterian Hospital abuse lawsuit allow survivors to seek financial compensation for their damages, which may include:

• Past and future medical and mental health expenses (e.g., therapy, counseling, and medication).
• Pain and suffering, encompassing emotional anguish and psychological harm.
• Lost income or earning capacity due to the impact of the trauma.
• Other economic and non-economic damages specific to your experience.

Our firm specializes in cases of alleged institutional abuse and approaches each with the utmost compassion and discretion. We work on a contingency basis, meaning there is no upfront cost to hire us, and you only pay a fee if we successfully recover compensation for you.

The Legal Timeline: Key Developments in the Dr. Cheng Case

Understanding the legal timeline is crucial for those considering action. On June 30, 2025, Dr. Zhi Alan Cheng pleaded guilty in Queens Supreme Court to four counts of rape in the first degree and three counts of sexual abuse in the first degree. This guilty plea is a significant development in acknowledging the alleged atrocities committed. Queens District Attorney Melinda Katz emphasized the gravity of the situation, stating, "The level of violence and perversion displayed by Zhi Alan Cheng in sexually abusing multiple victims is compounded by the fact that he took an oath to do no harm as a medical professional." (Source: Queens District Attorney's Office Press Release, June 30, 2025)

This guilty plea offers a clear path for victims seeking justice through the legal system.

Do You Qualify for a Free Case Evaluation?

The opportunity to seek justice and potential compensation is available for those who were allegedly victims of sexual assault Dr. Cheng committed at New York-Presbyterian Queens Hospital. We encourage you to reach out for a free and confidential case review if you meet the following guidelines:

• Were a patient at New York-Presbyterian Queens Hospital.
• Believe you were sexually abused or assaulted by Dr. Zhi Alan Cheng.
• Do not have an open case with another attorney.

We understand the sensitive nature of these cases and handle them with the utmost compassion and discretion. We work on a contingency basis, meaning there is no cost to hire us, and you only pay a fee if we successfully recover compensation for you.

The opportunity to file a lawsuit under relevant statutes of limitations is a crucial window for justice. Time is often of the essence in legal matters, and waiting can impact your ability to pursue a claim. Do not let fear or uncertainty prevent you from seeking the justice and compensation you may deserve.

Contact us today for a free, private case review. Let us help you understand your options and take the first step towards healing and accountability.