Women Sexually Abused by Brooklyn Doctor File Class Action Lawsuit

Two women who were sexually abused by Dr. Robert Goodman during medical appointments filed a class action lawsuit today, alleging that Dr. Goodman serially sexually abused his patients and that Maimonides Hospital, with which he was affiliated for years, turned a blind eye.

The complaint alleges that Dr. Goodman’s predations are an open secret within the Orthodox Jewish community of Borough Park, Brooklyn. It alleges that, for years, Dr. Goodman has preyed on women patients who come to him for medical help, making inappropriate and suggestive comments and groping and fondling their breasts.

“Dr Goodman is a serial predator, who has been using his position to take advantage of women at their most vulnerable,” Plaintiff Malky Wigder said. “For many years, his behavior has been covered up and enabled by community leaders. Speaking up about my experience has been difficult, but my hope is that it helps empower others to come forward.”

The two plaintiffs, Ms. Wigder and Jane Doe, who is proceeding under a pseudonym to protect herself from humiliation and scorn in the community, each allege that Dr. Goodman groped and fondled their breasts when they went to his office for a routine sick visit. They have each learned of other women who have complained privately that Dr. Goodman was similarly inappropriate with them. As recently as last month, a person left a Google review for Dr. Goodman warning women to “be aware” that he “may touch you in inappropriate places while examining you. React quickly. . . . Push his hand away. Run.”

“When a physician abuses a woman in his care, it’s a grave abuse of power and betrayal of trust. We are hopeful that this case will help put a stop to this wrongdoing and provide some justice for those who have been victimized,” said attorney Alanna Kaufman.

Ms. Wigder agreed that one of her goals is to finally put an end to Dr. Goodman’s abuse. “This lawsuit begins the process of holding him accountable for his crimes, and exposing his abuses so he can never do them to anyone else,” she said. “We’re also sending a clear message to our community leaders who helped enable Dr Goodman, that they must stop supporting abusers and start supporting women in the community who are being preyed upon.”

The Plaintiffs are represented by Alanna Kaufman and Ali Frick.