US lawyers representing 83 women have filed a medical malpractice lawsuit against an Indiana physician who is accused of photographing their genitalia without their permission, and of inappropriate behaviour during pelvic exams. Three healthcare entities have also been charged for failing to report him.
The lawsuit was filed last week against obstetrician/gynaecologist Dr William David Moore, who had his licence suspended in March, reports Fox59, as well as against Dr Moore’s Women’s Healthcare, Ambulatory Care Centre and Marion General for failing to supervise and monitor his activities.
The women – each referred to as Jane Doe – are aged from 15 to 73, all of whom saw Moore throughout his nearly three-decade career.
The lawsuit claimed the three entities had “actual and constructive knowledge and were on notice of the allegations of medical negligence and abuse of female patients” and “took no effective steps to detect, prevent or report the negligence, misconduct or abuse”.
They are also accused of breaching their duty to screen and supervise employees and that those breaches, among others, constitute a distinct and separate act of medical malpractice.
The lawsuit claims each act is a separate and distinct act of malpractice, and that each Jane Doe will seek all damages permitted under the Indiana Medical Malpractice Act, under which a doctor is liable for $250 000 in damages for any one case.
In January, Moore’s attorney provided the following statement:“Dr David Moore was a practising obstetrician/gynaecologist for more than 40 years before retiring at 76 in December, 2022. He was never subjected to any disciplinary action by any agency during his long career…He denies the allegations filed by the Attorney-General’s office.”
See more from MedicalBrief archives:
Gqeberha obs/gynae’s R4.5m settlement over mother’s injuries
New charges for thrice-suspended Cape doctor
Senegalese medics arrested after death of pregnant woman, baby
Tembisa 10: HPCSA to investigate ‘obs/gynae misrepresentation’ by GP