Ocean Breeze Archives - Survivors Rights

Image: Seal of Staten Island by Staten Island, based on the official Staten Island website, Public Domain, Wikimedia Commons. Former Staten Island OB-GYN Paul Heltzer has surrendered his New York medical license amid more than 20 lawsuits alleging sexual abuse or medical malpractice, including claims that name Staten Island University Hospital as a defendant, SILive.com reported. The latest complaint, filed October 12, 2026, accuses Heltzer of sexually abusing a patient during a medical appointment in 2014. The woman alleges that Heltzer took advantage of her vulnerable postpartum condition and engaged in inappropriate physical contact and sexually suggestive behavior. The lawsuits against Heltzer involve more than 30 former patients. Some allege sexual misconduct during medical examinations, while others involve allegations of negligent medical treatment. At least one documented lawsuit directly accuses Staten Island University Hospital of failing to protect a patient from alleged sexual misconduct by Heltzer. In February 2024, a former patient filed a lawsuit against Heltzer and the hospital over an examination that occurred in May 2011. According to court documents, the woman alleges that Heltzer sexually assaulted and inappropriately touched her while she was receiving treatment at the hospital. The lawsuit includes claims involving assault, medical negligence and inadequate security. The plaintiff argues that the hospital had a responsibility to provide a safe environment for patients undergoing medical treatment. Whether a hospital can be held accountable in sexual abuse litigation depends on several factors, including the doctor's relationship with the hospital, the circumstances of the alleged abuse and whether the institution failed to meet its legal responsibilities. Court records also identify Staten Island University Hospital's parent health system, Northwell Health, as defendants alongside Heltzer in separate medical malpractice litigation. However, the available records don't establish how many of the more than 20 lawsuits against Heltzer specifically name the hospital or Northwell Health. Sexual Abuse Lawsuits in New York Patients who experienced sexual misconduct during medical care may have grounds for legal action against a doctor, medical practice or other responsible institution. Learn about filing deadlines and potential civil claims in our New York Sexual Abuse Lawsuit Guide. What Other Former Patients Have Alleged In October 2024, 17 women filed a lawsuit alleging that Heltzer subjected them to inappropriate touching and sexually suggestive comments during medical appointments. The women described conduct they claimed went beyond legitimate medical examinations, including unwanted contact during breast examinations and inappropriate remarks about their personal lives. Heltzer previously maintained a private OB-GYN office in Staten Island's Ocean Breeze neighborhood. He closed the practice in July 2024, reportedly citing health reasons. Medical License Surrender and Court Proceedings Heltzer surrendered his New York medical license effective June 29, 2026. According to recent reporting on state disciplinary records, the licensing action involved concerns about his fitness to practice medicine safely. At least one earlier medical malpractice lawsuit reportedly resulted in a $3.5 million settlement in 2022. That case involved medical negligence and should not be confused with the sexual abuse claims brought by other patients.

Ocean Breeze

Former Staten Island OB-GYN Paul Heltzer Faces Sexual Abuse Lawsuits Involving University Hospital

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Ocean Breeze

Former Staten Island OB-GYN Paul Heltzer Faces Sexual Abuse Lawsuits Involving University Hospital

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