HACKENSACK, N.J. — A Bergen County jury has awarded $14 million to three women who were sexually assaulted by their former doctor, bringing attention to the ongoing issues of abuse in medical settings. The case was highlighted in a recent investigative report.
Attorney Kate Carballo, who represented the plaintiffs, expressed her gratitude as the verdicts were announced. “There wasn’t a dry eye in the courtroom. We truly felt that we had our day in court,” Carballo said, noting the emotional connection between the jury and the victims.
The plaintiffs detailed their harrowing experiences at the hands of Dr. Carl Renner, a physician practicing in Hasbrouck Heights. Two of the women shared their traumatic encounters during the investigation, shedding light on the disturbing nature of their assaults.
Rosemarie Safarian recounted a particularly aggressive incident, stating, “He was trying to get into my underwear. I had to fight him off.” Similarly, Suzanne Brown described being subjected to unwanted physical advances during a medical visit for a chest cold. “I ended up having a pelvic exam with no explanation as to why,” she said, emphasizing the confusion and violation she felt.
Dr. Renner has since pleaded guilty to charges of sexual assault and received a probation sentence. He also agreed to relinquish his medical license as part of the legal consequences of his actions.
The women, along with a third plaintiff, filed a lawsuit against Osler Medical Group, alleging that the practice was aware of Renner’s inappropriate behavior as early as 2008 but failed to take appropriate action. The jury found in favor of the plaintiffs, agreeing that the medical group bore responsibility for the doctor’s conduct.
In terms of financial compensation, the jury determined that Brown would receive $4 million, Safarian and her husband would be awarded an additional $4 million, while the third plaintiff, who remains anonymous due to the sensitive nature of her case, was awarded $6 million.
An administrator for Osler Medical Group declined to comment on the verdict when approached for a statement.
This case serves as a stark reminder of the critical need for accountability in medical practices, especially regarding patient safety. The emotional toll on survivors highlights the importance of providing a platform for their voices to be heard.
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