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Cumberland Hospital Lawsuits: Child Abuse Reports Result In Two Lawsuits, 38 Plaintiffs

sexual abuse lawyer near me kevin biniazan, esq breit cantor grana buckner virginia beach
Attorney Kevin Biniazan, Esq. - VA Abuse Guardian

Hi - I’m Kevin. I am an attorney that is licensed to practice law in Arizona and Virginia. My team and I have filed two separate lawsuits against Cumberland Children's Hospital on behalf of 38 plaintiffs. If you or a loved one were a victim of abuse, we can help your voice to be heard, too.

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Previously, our child abuse law firm was retained by several parents to investigate and file civil claims in search of justice for victims of abuse at Cumberland Hospital For Children and Adolescents, also known as Cumberland Academy, in Kent, VA.

A thorough investigation by our team uncovered what we believe is the truth of what happened. Now, our goal is to hold accountable those who were responsible and ensure this never happens to another child in New Kent County again.

Contact us and speak with a hospital sexual abuse victim lawyer:

  • You believe your child was abused and want to know your options;
  • You are an employee/ex-employee and would like to report abuse or what you witnessed;
  • You have information you believe is important to our investigation.
"Our alliance has over 15 sexual abuse lawyers nationwide dedicated to helping survivors get justice" 
- Kevin Biniazan, Esq.

$127 Million Lawsuit Against Universal Health Services (UHS) And 2 Physicians

Cumberland is a residential center that treats mostly adolescents who are suffering neurobehavioral issues, brain trauma, and other chronic health conditions.

In late 2020, an initial civil lawsuit was filed in Richmond Circuit Court against:

  1. The Cumberland Hospital for Children and Adolescents (owned by UHS)
  2. The New Kent facility former medical director Dr. Davidow, and
  3. Former psychotherapist Herschel Harden.

The filing cited negligence, assault, battery, child's rights violations, and other crimes, and represented 20 plaintiffs, among them numerous young female patients.

Claims Of Exploitation By Doctors

Former patients of the residential treatment center recounted instances when they allege they were sexually abused by Dr. Davidow; the doctor is claimed to have performed unnecessary "femoral pulse checks" to fondle the victim's intimate body parts. In fact, more than half of the 20 plaintiffs allege non-consensual touching. On the other hand, allegations against Dr. Harden indicate he left one or more patients with bodily injuries.

Aside from the complaints against the two physicians, the hospital is accused of maintaining an inadequate staff that could not prevent residents from falling victim to sex crimes, whether on behalf of employees or other patients. There're also claims of the facility keeping patients longer than necessary in order to maximize revenue.

Second Cumberland Lawsuit Includes 18 Additional Plaintiffs

As of July 2021, a second claim has been filed against Cumberland by Mr. Biniazan and his team. This second claim constitutes 18 additional plaintiffs bringing the total number of alleged victims to 38.

The newly filed cases are similar to the previous filing; in its majority, they are claims of young people being sexually assaulted by doctors and other residents.

Lawyers Investigating Cumberland Academy For Child Abuse, Sexual Assault and Gross Neglect

When our lawyers first learned of the horrific abuse, sexual assault, and neglect from speaking with parents of patients who had brief stays at Cumberland, we were horrified and angry.

Our legal team comprises a coalition of experienced attorneys who have dedicated their legal practice to representing survivors of abuse, both physical and sexual.

We have handled and currently handle several similar cases. Here is a list of some matters we are currently handling:

  • Physical abuse and claims on behalf of parents, and children who attended a boarding school run by the Seventh Day Adventists
  • Child abuse claims at a daycare in Virginia
  • Sexual abuse claims at a daycare in New Jersey
  • Doctor-patient sexual abuse claims at medical facilities in Pennsylvania, New York, and New Jersey

We are currently representing families from VA and elsewhere in their cases which involve: assault, neglect, medical malpractice, and sexual abuse at Cumberland Hospital.

The three firms that have combined to take on this case are Breit Cantor (VA), Laffey Bucci & Kent (Philadelphia, PA), and Justice Guardians (Philadelphia, PA).

In The Media: Sexual And Physical Abuse At Cumberland

There have been several instances where child exploitation at Cumberland Hospital was reported publicly in the media. The first report we found is from an article by the Los Angeles Times on November 23, 2008. The article covers what happened to Crystal Marshall in July of 2006 at the center. She was to be returned to her foster parents in the coming days, however tragically she experienced a seizure and medical episode caused by a rare blood disorder.

The article details the tragic delay Cumberland’s doctor enacted by questioning whether the seizure was fake. Over an hour passed before paramedics were called and they were told to make sure it was a “non-emergency”, according to the reporting. Unfortunately, she passed away. A subsequent investigation shed light on the failures in providing health care for cardiac and neurological issues, and Cumberland received a citation for neglecting to get this patient proper routine and emergency care.

Source: https://www.latimes.com/local/la-mew-2psisider23-2008nov23-story.html

How To Report Child Abuse and Sexual Assault At Cumberland Hospital in Kent, VA

First and foremost if your child is currently at Cumberland and you believe they are in danger, please contact authorities and do all you can to remove your child to a safe location.

From speaking with a lot of parents, we know how overwhelming the reporting process can be. There are so many agencies, law enforcement, medical boards, etc…, it can be challenging to know where to start.

We are here to help.

Call us and we would be happy to guide you to the appropriate parties so that you can report the crimes that have taken place at Cumberland Hospital.

We Can Help You File A Cumberland Abuse Lawsuit

If you and your family believe that a legal claim is going to help you recover and get justice, then we are here for you.

If you would like legal advice on getting started, then give us a call for a free consultation. You will speak with the attorneys working directly on the case, and we can advise you as to your options.

The ball is always in your court. You are in control. We will stand with you all the way.

Give us a call and we can help you understand your options, and should you wish to file a Cumberland abuse claim, we will do what needs to be done to get justice.

Have You Joined The Facebook Support Group?

Several parents and guardians of children who were abused at Cumberland and former patients from Cumberland Hospital have created a support group on Facebook to support each other and share stories. This group has grown very strong since the news coverage about what happened at Cumberland Hospital has exploded.

To join the Facebook Group, click on this link and apply to the admins to join: https://www.facebook.com/groups/508074676387878/

Proud Members Of The Following Trusted Organizations
Members of National Crime Victim Bar AssociationMembers Of American Bar AssociationMembers Of American Association For Justice
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