The University of Southern California in Los Angeles has reached a $240 million settlement in principle to resolve sexual abuse allegations against George Tyndall, MD, a former USC gynecologist, according to attorneys representing USC students and alumni.
A class-action lawsuit against the university and Dr. Tyndall alleges Dr. Tyndall "violated this trust and his female patients by causing physical contact, including in the form of sexual abuse, molestation and unwanted touching."
The suit also alleges USC was aware of the physician's conduct for decades but failed to take appropriate action to protect female students.
The proposed settlement covers hundreds of current and former USC students who were examined by Dr. Tyndall at the university's student health center. Each patient would be compensated at least $2,500, with potential for up to $250,000 in additional compensation. The proposed settlement also includes attorneys' fees.
"We are pleased that this proposed settlement will bring meaningful recovery to this class of women, without intensive litigation and discovery directed at the victims," said Steve Berman, managing partner of Seattle-based law firm Hagens Berman Sobol Shapiro and attorney representing the class of USC alumni.
Wanda Austin, PhD, the university's interim president, said "I regret that any student ever felt uncomfortable, unsafe, or mistreated in any way as a result of the actions of a university employee."
The settlement must be approved in court and is unrelated to lawsuits filed this week by 95 women in Los Angeles against Dr. Tyndall and USC.