The Dr. Derrick Todd lawsuit centers on a former Massachusetts rheumatologist accused in civil court of abusing patients during medical visits. More than 200 former patients have joined lawsuits alleging that Todd performed invasive examinations without legitimate medical purpose. Those claims target Todd and the medical institutions where he practiced. Civil filings describe a long-running pattern that plaintiffs say caused physical, emotional, and psychological harm. The litigation now stands as one of the largest patient-abuse civil actions involving a single physician in the state.
The case matters beyond individual claims. Hospital oversight practices sit under scrutiny. Patient safety systems face hard questions. Lawyers argue that warning signs surfaced years before the action occurred. Medical institutions named in the suits deny liability but acknowledge internal reviews. Courts must now decide how responsibility spreads between an individual physician and the systems that employed him.
How the Lawsuit Started
Patient lawsuits followed internal complaints raised by fellow physicians. Those complaints questioned whether exams performed by Todd fit accepted rheumatology standards. Hospital administrators opened a review. Administrative leave followed. Former patients soon contacted lawyers after learning others shared similar experiences. Individual cases multiplied quickly. Attorneys consolidated claims to streamline litigation and avoid repetitive proceedings. The civil action now proceeds in the Massachusetts Superior Court.
Background of the Case
Dr. Derrick Todd practiced rheumatology in the Boston area for nearly two decades. Dr. Derrick Todd treated patients at Brigham and Women’s Hospital, the Faulkner campus, and Charles River Medical Associates in Framingham. Rheumatology care generally centers on autoimmune and musculoskeletal disorders. Civil complaints state that Todd moved beyond that clinical scope during routine visits. Complaints describe pelvic, breast, rectal, and genital exams during appointments unrelated to those body systems. Many patients say no clear explanation justified the procedures. Several state the visits left them confused and distressed.
Civil filings also focus on institutional awareness. Plaintiffs argue hospitals and medical groups missed repeated signals. Attorneys say chaperone practices, complaint tracking, and peer oversight failed. Those alleged failures form the basis of negligence claims against employer entities alongside claims against Todd himself.
Key Allegations
The lawsuit alleges medically unnecessary and sexually invasive examinations conducted under the authority of a physician. Plaintiffs describe conduct they say breached the trust at the core of the doctor-patient relationship. Civil complaints assert claims of medical malpractice, battery, and emotional distress. Institutional defendants face claims alleging negligent supervision and retention. Defense responses deny wrongdoing and dispute the scope of potential liability. Courts have not ruled on the merits.
Timeline of the Dr. Derrick Todd Lawsuit
Early Complaints and Consumer Signals
Internal concerns surfaced during 2023 after physicians questioned exam practices observed in patient care. Hospital administrators received reports describing procedures that appeared unrelated to rheumatology treatment. Administrative leave followed while reviews began. Former patients later came forward independently after learning similar experiences existed. Media reporting amplified awareness. Civil lawyers began receiving a steady stream of inquiries.
Company Response
Hospital systems moved to investigate and restrict clinical privileges. Todd resigned during the review process. The Massachusetts Board of Registration in Medicine accepted an agreement that removed Todd from medical practice. Hospitals expressed concern for affected patients while disputing legal responsibility. No admissions of liability occurred.
Court Filings and Legal Steps
Civil lawsuits began as individual claims in 2023. Consolidation followed as plaintiff numbers increased. A master complaint now includes more than 200 former patients. Massachusetts Superior Court oversees pretrial proceedings. Discovery continues. Motions focus on class structure, evidentiary scope, and procedural management. No trial date has been publicly scheduled.
Judge Notes or Judicial Signals
Judicial activity has centered on case management. Orders address consolidation mechanics and discovery pacing. Courts have not issued findings on liability or damages. Judges continue balancing efficiency against defendants’ rights to contest individual allegations.
Government or Regulatory Actions
Regulatory action removed Todd from medical practice. Separate criminal proceedings exist but remain legally distinct from the civil case. Civil filings reference regulatory outcomes only where publicly documented. Courts treat criminal allegations independently from civil liability questions.
Settlement Timeline
No global settlement has been announced. Public records show no finalized civil resolutions. Attorneys continue evaluating claims individually while litigation proceeds.
Current Status
The Dr. Derrick Todd civil lawsuit remains active. More than 200 plaintiffs are seeking damages in the Massachusetts Superior Court. Discovery continues. Additional claims remain possible. Medical institutions continue defending oversight practices. Long-term litigation appears likely.
Additional Case Details
Plaintiff attorneys emphasize patient safety reforms as a broader goal. Defense teams contest both factual allegations and institutional responsibility. Courts will determine whether claims proceed collectively or require further individual separation. Outcomes may influence how hospitals respond to internal physician complaints in future cases.