More than 50 former patients who accused a deceased neurologist of sexual assault have settled the case.
Bree Knoester, partner at Adviceline Injury Lawyers, has confirmed that the firm has reached a settlement with the estate of Andrew Churchyard, on behalf of 52 of his former patients.
The confidential settlement ends the Victorian Supreme Court proceedings brought by Adviceline in 2016. Adviceline told Australasian Lawyer that the settlement was made with a denial of liability.
Churchyard committed suicide after a magistrate concluded that there was enough evidence to find the former doctor guilty of indecent assault charges.
“From the outset there were clear recurring themes in the interactions that patients were having with Churchyard,” said Knoester, who was approached by more than 100 former patients after allegations against the former doctor were made public.
“It’s been a long and hard-fought road. I am proud that we have been able to achieve an outcome that not only provides support to the victims, but also gives them a voice,” Knoester said.
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