Seeking Justice and Healing After Alleged Abuse at a Trusted Institution

For individuals seeking care, hospitals are meant to be places of healing and safety. However, disturbing allegations have surfaced concerning a former New York-Presbyterian Queens Hospital doctor, Dr. Zhi Alan Cheng. Patients and their families who believe they were victims of sexual assault or abuse by Dr. Cheng deserve to understand their legal options. Our firm is prepared to help you navigate this difficult time and pursue the justice and potential compensation you may be entitled to.

The Disturbing Allegations Against Dr. Zhi Alan Cheng

Dr. Zhi Alan Cheng, a former gastroenterologist at New York-Presbyterian Queens Hospital, has faced serious charges and has since pleaded guilty to multiple counts of rape and sexual abuse. These charges stem from alleged acts of violence and perversion against both his acquaintances and, shockingly, patients at the hospital. These deeply concerning events are a profound betrayal of the trust placed in medical professionals and institutions.

A Breach of Trust: How Abuse Can Occur in Healthcare Settings

The nature of a patient-doctor relationship involves inherent trust. Patients often find themselves in vulnerable positions, reliant on medical professionals for their well-being. This vulnerability can be exploited, particularly when patients are sedated, unconscious, or otherwise incapacitated during procedures or recovery. The allegations against Dr. Cheng highlight this terrifying reality, where a healthcare provider allegedly used his position and medical knowledge to commit horrific acts.

The Scope of the Allegations: Actual Data and Statistics

The case of Dr. Cheng is not an isolated incident, though its specifics are deeply disturbing. Unfortunately, sexual abuse in healthcare settings is a documented problem. According to a 2023 Joint Commission report, hospital self-reported data showed a combined 77% rise in incidents of assault, rape, sexual assault, and homicide over two years, with 43% of those incidents being sexual assaults, including rape.

Further, a survey found that approximately 9% of physicians reported engaging in sexual conduct with at least one patient. These statistics underscore the critical need for vigilance and accountability within the healthcare system.

The Painful Aftermath: Understanding the Impact on Survivors

The impact of sexual assault and abuse can be profound and long-lasting, affecting survivors emotionally, psychologically, and physically. Victims may experience:

• Emotional distress: Including anxiety, depression, fear, anger, shame, and guilt.
• Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD): Flashbacks, nightmares, and heightened reactions to triggers.
• Trust issues: Difficulty trusting others, especially authority figures or medical professionals.
• Physical symptoms: Sleep disturbances, appetite changes, and other stress-related physical ailments.
• Coping mechanisms: Some survivors may develop unhealthy coping mechanisms.

As trauma expert Bessel van der Kolk wisely stated, "Traumatized people chronically feel unsafe inside their bodies." This highlights the critical need for survivors to seek healing and justice, which often includes addressing the legal aspects of their trauma.

The Legal Path Forward: Seeking Compensation and Accountability

If you or a loved one were allegedly sexually assaulted or abused by Dr. Cheng at New York-Presbyterian Queens Hospital, you may have grounds to file a civil lawsuit. This legal action is distinct from any criminal proceedings and focuses on holding accountable not only the individual perpetrator but potentially the institution that employed him.

A civil lawsuit seeks to recover damages for the harm suffered. This may include compensation for:

• Medical and mental health expenses: Such as therapy, counseling, and medication.
• Pain and suffering: For the emotional anguish and psychological trauma endured.
• Lost income: If the abuse impacted your ability to work.
• Other economic and non-economic damages: Specific to your unique circumstances.

Our firm understands the sensitive nature of these cases and approaches each with the utmost compassion and discretion. We are dedicated to helping survivors seek justice and work on a contingency basis, meaning there is no upfront cost to you; we only receive a fee if we successfully recover compensation.

Dr. Cheng's Guilty Plea: A Step Towards Acknowledgment

On June 30, 2025, Dr. Zhi Alan Cheng pleaded guilty to four counts of rape in the first degree and three counts of sexual abuse in the first degree in Queens Supreme Court. This plea acknowledges the gravity of his actions.

Queens District Attorney Melinda Katz, in a statement, said: "The level of violence and perversion displayed by Zhi Alan Cheng in sexually abusing multiple victims is compounded by the fact that he took an oath to do no harm as a medical professional. Following a strong case built by members of my Special Victims Bureau, the defendant admitted guilt in raping unconscious victims in his apartment and sexually abusing sedated patients in the hospital on numerous occasions." 

Taking Action: Your Opportunity for Justice

The opportunity to seek justice and potential compensation is available. We are actively investigating claims related to New York Presbyterian Hospital abuse lawsuits involving Dr. Cheng. We believe victims deserve to be heard, believed, and supported through this challenging process.

If you meet the following guidelines, you may qualify for a free case evaluation:

• You were a patient at New York-Presbyterian Queens Hospital.
• You believe you were sexually abused or assaulted by Dr. Zhi Alan Cheng.
• You do not currently have an open case with another attorney.

Don't let fear or uncertainty prevent you from exploring your options. Time can be a factor in these cases, so we encourage you to reach out for a confidential discussion.