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. 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 still have a claim. In a civil New York Presbyterian Hospital abuse lawsuit, you may be able to sue various parties, depending on the circumstances of the alleged 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 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.

Taking Action: Your Opportunity for Justice

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.