Staten Island Hospital Patient Files Lawsuit Alleging Sexual Assault by Hospital Staff Member
Claims Northwell Health and Staten Island University Hospital Failed to Protect Him. Lawsuit alleges repeated unwanted sexual touching of a hospitalized patient
STATEN ISLAND, NY, November 08, 2026 -- A Staten Island man, proceeding under the pseudonym John Doe to protect his privacy, has filed a lawsuit in New York State Supreme Court, Richmond County, against Northwell Health Inc., Staten Island University Hospital (SIUH), and an individual hospital staff member, alleging repeated sexual harassment, exploitation, and nonconsensual sexual touching while he was hospitalized at Staten Island University Hospital South.
The lawsuit, filed on November 3, 2026, alleges that beginning in approximately 2022, the plaintiff was subjected to a pattern of inappropriate conduct by a hospital staff member during repeated hospital admissions. According to the complaint, the staff member allegedly made unwanted romantic and sexual comments, repeatedly told the plaintiff that he loved him, blew kisses at him, and engaged in increasingly inappropriate physical contact under the guise of providing patient care.
The complaint alleges that the conduct escalated dramatically during the plaintiff's hospitalization in May 2026.
According to the allegations, the staff member repeatedly entered the plaintiff's hospital room, offered to change his clothing, and insisted on changing his socks despite the plaintiff's objections. During one of these encounters, the staff member allegedly engaged in repeated, intentional, and nonconsensual touching of the plaintiff's intimate areas.
The complaint further alleges that the plaintiff ultimately had to physically push the staff member's hand away, demand that he stop touching him, and order him to leave the room.
THE LAWSUIT RAISES SERIOUS QUESTIONS ABOUT PATIENT SAFETY AND HOSPITAL ACCOUNTABILITY
Of particular concern are allegations that the inappropriate conduct was not entirely unnoticed by other hospital personnel. The complaint alleges that another nurse previously remarked that the staff member had a crush on the plaintiff and would not leave him alone.
The plaintiff further alleges that he had repeatedly made clear that the staff member's attention was unwelcome. Nevertheless, according to the complaint, the conduct continued and ultimately escalated into nonconsensual physical contact.
The lawsuit also raises questions about whether Northwell Health and Staten Island University Hospital knew, or should have known, about the staff member's alleged conduct and whether appropriate measures were taken to protect patients.
The complaint asserts that the corporate defendants failed to adequately supervise, monitor, investigate, and retain appropriate oversight over the staff member, thereby allowing the alleged misconduct to occur.
TWELVE CAUSES OF ACTION SEEK ACCOUNTABILITY
The lawsuit asserts twelve causes of action, including:
• Intentional and negligent infliction of emotional distress.
• Negligent supervision and retention.
• Battery.
• Claims arising under Article 130 of the New York Penal Law.
• Violations of the New York City Victims of Gender-Motivated Violence Protection Law.
• Claims involving sexual harassment, exploitation, assault, and abuse.
• Gross negligence and reckless conduct.
• Violations of the New York State Human Rights Law.
• Violations of the New York City Human Rights Law.
The plaintiff seeks compensatory and punitive damages, attorneys' fees, costs, and other appropriate relief. The complaint demands damages of $1 million under each of its twelve causes of action, subject to the Court's determination.
A HOSPITAL MUST BE A PLACE OF SAFETY, NOT VULNERABILITY
Patients enter hospitals during some of the most physically and emotionally vulnerable moments of their lives. They must be able to trust that the individuals responsible for their care will respect their dignity, personal boundaries, and bodily autonomy.
The allegations in this lawsuit underscore the importance of ensuring that hospitals have effective safeguards in place to prevent sexual misconduct, recognize warning signs, investigate complaints, and protect patients from individuals who abuse positions of trust and authority.
The plaintiff is seeking accountability not only for the alleged actions of the individual staff member, but also for the alleged failures of the institutions entrusted with his care.
ABOUT THE LAWSUIT
The action, John Doe v. Northwell Health Inc., Staten Island University Hospital and John Doe Staffer, was filed in the Supreme Court of the State of New York, Richmond County, on November 3, 2026.
The plaintiff is represented by Robert E. Brown, Esq., of Robert E. Brown, P.C., located in Staten Island, New York.
MEDIA CONTACT:
Robert E. Brown, Esq.
ROBERT E. BROWN, P.C.
1200 South Avenue, Suite 201
Staten Island, New York 10314
Telephone: (718) 979-9779
Unlike the phone book and TV personal injury lawyers, the Law Offices of Robert E. Brown, PC is not a "personal injury mill." All of our clients receive personalized attention throughout the legal process.
We handle personal injury cases on a contingency fee basis, meaning that there are no attorneys' fees unless a settlement or verdict is obtained on your behalf. We handle all types of personal injury litigation, including cases involving medical malpractice, vehicle accidents, slip, trip & falls, construction accidents, workplace injuries, nursing home neglect or abuse, and wrongful death. We represent clients who have been injured due to another's negligence, carelessness or wrongful acts. Our team knows how to fight for our clients' rights. Our goal is always to obtain the best possible outcome for our clients through aggressive representation in order to resolve your case as quickly and efficiently as possible.
You have been injured and your life has been interrupted. We take the time to understand you, your pain and your needs and we will fight for you to obtain the best possible outcome for your case.
# # #
The lawsuit, filed on November 3, 2026, alleges that beginning in approximately 2022, the plaintiff was subjected to a pattern of inappropriate conduct by a hospital staff member during repeated hospital admissions. According to the complaint, the staff member allegedly made unwanted romantic and sexual comments, repeatedly told the plaintiff that he loved him, blew kisses at him, and engaged in increasingly inappropriate physical contact under the guise of providing patient care.
The complaint alleges that the conduct escalated dramatically during the plaintiff's hospitalization in May 2026.
According to the allegations, the staff member repeatedly entered the plaintiff's hospital room, offered to change his clothing, and insisted on changing his socks despite the plaintiff's objections. During one of these encounters, the staff member allegedly engaged in repeated, intentional, and nonconsensual touching of the plaintiff's intimate areas.
The complaint further alleges that the plaintiff ultimately had to physically push the staff member's hand away, demand that he stop touching him, and order him to leave the room.
THE LAWSUIT RAISES SERIOUS QUESTIONS ABOUT PATIENT SAFETY AND HOSPITAL ACCOUNTABILITY
Of particular concern are allegations that the inappropriate conduct was not entirely unnoticed by other hospital personnel. The complaint alleges that another nurse previously remarked that the staff member had a crush on the plaintiff and would not leave him alone.
The plaintiff further alleges that he had repeatedly made clear that the staff member's attention was unwelcome. Nevertheless, according to the complaint, the conduct continued and ultimately escalated into nonconsensual physical contact.
The lawsuit also raises questions about whether Northwell Health and Staten Island University Hospital knew, or should have known, about the staff member's alleged conduct and whether appropriate measures were taken to protect patients.
The complaint asserts that the corporate defendants failed to adequately supervise, monitor, investigate, and retain appropriate oversight over the staff member, thereby allowing the alleged misconduct to occur.
TWELVE CAUSES OF ACTION SEEK ACCOUNTABILITY
The lawsuit asserts twelve causes of action, including:
• Intentional and negligent infliction of emotional distress.
• Negligent supervision and retention.
• Battery.
• Claims arising under Article 130 of the New York Penal Law.
• Violations of the New York City Victims of Gender-Motivated Violence Protection Law.
• Claims involving sexual harassment, exploitation, assault, and abuse.
• Gross negligence and reckless conduct.
• Violations of the New York State Human Rights Law.
• Violations of the New York City Human Rights Law.
The plaintiff seeks compensatory and punitive damages, attorneys' fees, costs, and other appropriate relief. The complaint demands damages of $1 million under each of its twelve causes of action, subject to the Court's determination.
A HOSPITAL MUST BE A PLACE OF SAFETY, NOT VULNERABILITY
Patients enter hospitals during some of the most physically and emotionally vulnerable moments of their lives. They must be able to trust that the individuals responsible for their care will respect their dignity, personal boundaries, and bodily autonomy.
The allegations in this lawsuit underscore the importance of ensuring that hospitals have effective safeguards in place to prevent sexual misconduct, recognize warning signs, investigate complaints, and protect patients from individuals who abuse positions of trust and authority.
The plaintiff is seeking accountability not only for the alleged actions of the individual staff member, but also for the alleged failures of the institutions entrusted with his care.
ABOUT THE LAWSUIT
The action, John Doe v. Northwell Health Inc., Staten Island University Hospital and John Doe Staffer, was filed in the Supreme Court of the State of New York, Richmond County, on November 3, 2026.
The plaintiff is represented by Robert E. Brown, Esq., of Robert E. Brown, P.C., located in Staten Island, New York.
MEDIA CONTACT:
Robert E. Brown, Esq.
ROBERT E. BROWN, P.C.
1200 South Avenue, Suite 201
Staten Island, New York 10314
Telephone: (718) 979-9779
Unlike the phone book and TV personal injury lawyers, the Law Offices of Robert E. Brown, PC is not a "personal injury mill." All of our clients receive personalized attention throughout the legal process.
We handle personal injury cases on a contingency fee basis, meaning that there are no attorneys' fees unless a settlement or verdict is obtained on your behalf. We handle all types of personal injury litigation, including cases involving medical malpractice, vehicle accidents, slip, trip & falls, construction accidents, workplace injuries, nursing home neglect or abuse, and wrongful death. We represent clients who have been injured due to another's negligence, carelessness or wrongful acts. Our team knows how to fight for our clients' rights. Our goal is always to obtain the best possible outcome for our clients through aggressive representation in order to resolve your case as quickly and efficiently as possible.
You have been injured and your life has been interrupted. We take the time to understand you, your pain and your needs and we will fight for you to obtain the best possible outcome for your case.
# # #
Contact Information
Robert BrownLaw Offices of Robert E Brown, PC
STATEN ISLAND, NY
United States
Voice: 7189799779
Website: Visit Our Website
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