A Michigan court recently finalized a $100 million settlement that will compensate thousands of patients subjected to sexual abuse and privacy violations by Dr. Oumair Aejaz, a physician affiliated with Henry Ford Macomb Hospital. The magnitude of the settlement reflects the depth of harm inflicted and the failure of institutional safeguards meant to protect patients from such horrific misconduct.
At HGD Law Firm, we have spent years representing survivors of sexual assault, particularly in complex cases involving healthcare providers, universities, religious organizations, and other institutions that failed to act. While no amount of compensation can undo the trauma, civil litigation offers a path toward justice, accountability, and closure.
A Systemic Failure in Patient Safety
Dr. Aejaz is accused of sexually abusing and secretly recording thousands of patients, many of whom were unconscious or unaware of his actions. His conduct, discovered after disturbing evidence surfaced in his personal life, prompted both criminal charges and a massive civil lawsuit. Though he was not an employee of Henry Ford Health System, he was granted privileges to treat patients at its facility—a decision that would have devastating consequences.
This case illustrates a broader and deeply troubling issue: how institutional structures sometimes fall short in preventing abuse. Hospitals, clinics, and medical groups must ensure that all practitioners—whether employees or not—are thoroughly vetted and monitored. When they fail in this duty, they expose patients to unimaginable harm.
At HGD Law, we’ve seen how gaps in oversight and a lack of accountability enable predators to operate unchecked. Survivors often come to us with not just physical and emotional injuries, but with a deep sense of betrayal by the very institutions they trusted. That betrayal deserves justice.
What the $100 Million Settlement Really Means
The settlement approved by Judge James Maceroni of the Macomb County Circuit Court includes a tiered compensation structure to reflect the severity of the harm suffered. It offers payments of $5,000 to thousands of patients who had contact with Dr. Aejaz and larger sums to individuals who can verify they were recorded or assaulted.
This structure aims to provide equitable relief while respecting the individual circumstances of each victim. It also sets a precedent: institutions cannot hide behind technicalities when lives have been devastated by negligence, complicity, or inaction.
For survivors, these settlements are more than just financial recovery. They are public acknowledgments of harm. They serve as critical milestones in the healing process. And perhaps most importantly, they can lead to lasting institutional reforms that protect future patients.
HGD Law’s Work on Behalf of Sexual Assault Survivors
At HGD Law, we are committed to representing survivors of sexual misconduct, particularly in cases where powerful institutions are involved. These are not just legal battles—they are fights for dignity, safety, and change.
We understand that coming forward is never easy. Survivors face social stigma, emotional pain, and the fear of not being believed. That’s why we approach each case with care, confidentiality, and unwavering support.
Our attorneys have handled cases involving:
- Sexual abuse in hospitals and medical facilities
- Institutional failures at universities and public schools
- Abuse within religious and youth organizations
- Sexual assault in the workplace
Each case requires a unique strategy, but our goal remains the same: to hold the responsible parties accountable and to ensure our clients are heard, believed, and compensated.
Trauma-Informed, Client-Centered Representation
What sets HGD apart is our approach. We prioritize a trauma-informed legal process that recognizes the sensitive nature of these claims. Our team of 16 attorneys and 30 support professionals is trained to work with compassion, discretion, and respect.
From your first consultation through the final resolution of your case, you can expect white-glove service. We listen. We explain your options. We fight on your behalf with both legal skill and moral clarity.
We also understand that these cases are about more than courtroom wins. They’re about helping our clients feel empowered. That’s why we ensure every survivor has a voice in the process and receives the information and care they need to make decisions with confidence.
Legal Accountability Beyond the Individual
While Dr. Aejaz will face criminal sentencing, civil lawsuits play a crucial role in expanding accountability beyond the individual perpetrator. In the Michigan case, the hospital system was held accountable because it allowed Dr. Aejaz access to vulnerable patients within its facility. Institutions like hospitals have a fundamental responsibility to ensure the safety and well-being of every patient treated within their walls. This includes properly vetting medical professionals, responding to complaints or suspicious behavior, and maintaining oversight over anyone given the privilege to practice. Turning a blind eye or maintaining a culture of silence in the face of warning signs should never shield a healthcare system from liability. When that duty is breached, legal action becomes not only justified but necessary to protect future patients and demand systemic change. That’s not unusual. Often, institutions are the ones with the means to provide restitution, especially when they failed to take steps that could have prevented the abuse.
Civil claims in these contexts often include:
- Negligent supervision
- Failure to report or investigate complaints
- Inadequate hiring or credentialing practices
- Breach of fiduciary duty or professional ethics
By pursuing these claims, we push institutions to examine their policies and make the changes necessary to prevent future harm. At HGD, we believe that systemic change is just as important as individual justice.
What Should You Do If You Were Harmed?
If you or someone you love has experienced sexual misconduct in a medical or institutional setting, it is important to know your rights. You may be entitled to compensation not only for medical expenses and lost income but also for pain and suffering, emotional distress, and long-term trauma.
Even if the abuse occurred years ago, you might still have legal options. Laws vary by state, but many jurisdictions have extended the time survivors have to come forward—especially in cases involving children or institutional abuse.
At HGD Law Firm, we provide confidential consultations to help you understand your rights and determine the best course of action. We handle all cases with the highest level of care, professionalism, and integrity.
Why Survivors Choose HGD Law
- Experience: We have successfully represented survivors in high-stakes, complex sexual assault cases.
- Compassion: We recognize the courage it takes to come forward and offer support every step of the way.
- Resources: With 16 attorneys and a 30-person support team, we have the capacity to take on large institutions and powerful defendants.
- Results: We pursue maximum compensation and real institutional accountability.
Most importantly, our clients know they are never alone. From intake through resolution, we are by your side.
Closing Thoughts
The Michigan settlement may be one of the largest of its kind, but unfortunately, it is not unique. Across the country, survivors of sexual assault in medical and institutional settings are stepping forward to demand justice.
HGD Law Firm stands ready to help. We believe in the power of the legal system to hold institutions accountable, validate survivor experiences, and create lasting change.
If you need to speak with someone about what happened to you or a loved one, contact us today for a confidential consultation. We will listen. We will believe you. And we will fight for you.
