HACKENSACK, N.J. – In a significant legal decision, a Bergen County jury has delivered a $14 million judgment in favor of three women who brought allegations of sexual assault against their former physician, which had been under scrutiny following investigative reports. The court’s verdict marks a poignant victory for the plaintiffs in a case that emerged from disturbing accusations of misconduct within a medical setting.
Attorney Kate Carballo, representing the victims, expressed the emotional weight of the trial’s conclusion, noting the palpable impact on those present as the judgments were read aloud. The case has highlighted the deep personal traumas involved, with the jury showing a clear response to the testimonies shared by the women.
Central to the case was Dr. Carl Renner, a practitioner formerly based in Hasbrouck Heights, who faced accusations directly from two of his patients during a detailed investigation. The claimants recounted invasive and unconsented encounters, with alleged actions ranging from inappropriate touching to forcible kissing, which unfolded under the guise of routine medical examinations.
One of the women, Rosemarie Safarian, shared a harrowing recount of having to physically resist Renner’s advances, while Suzanne Brown detailed an instance where an appointment for a minor illness inappropriately escalated to a pelvic exam without any justification. The testimonies painted a grim picture of abuse and professional misconduct.
Following the rising allegations, Renner subsequently admitted to charges of sexual assault. He was sentenced to probation and permanently relinquished his medical license, ending his professional career amidst the scandal.
The lawsuit targeted not only Renner but also Osler Medical Group, the institution where he practiced. The plaintiffs argued that the group had prior indications of Renner’s inappropriate behavior dating back to 2008 yet failed to take adequate action. The jury’s agreement with this stance underscores ongoing discussions about institutional responsibility in preventing and responding to misconduct.
The compensatory sums awarded by the jury were divided among the victims, with Brown receiving $4 million and Safarian, along with her husband, also receiving $4 million. An additional $6 million was awarded to a third plaintiff, who chose to keep her identity and ordeal out of public discourse.
The Osler Medical Group, through its administrators, refrained from commenting on the outcome of the case.
The outcome of this lawsuit not only sheds light on the severe implications of abuse in medical practice but also speaks to a broader context of accountability and protection within professional environments. It stands as a reminder of the ongoing challenges and essential vigilance required to safeguard patients’ rights and well-being in healthcare settings.
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