Judge approves USD 190 million Hopkins settlement

A judge has approved a USD 190 million settlement between Johns Hopkins Hospital and more than 8,000 patients of a gynaecologist who used tiny cameras to secretly photograph women and girls during examinations.
The settlement was reached in July between the renowned hospital and former patients of Dr Nikita Levy. The Johns Hopkins gynaecologist committed suicide in February 2013 days after police raided his home and recovered hundreds of videos and images. Judge Sylvester B Cox approved the agreement yesterday.
Lawyers filed a class action lawsuit against Johns Hopkins last October alleging that the hospital should have known about Levy's misconduct.

The funds will be placed into an interest-bearing account in 44 days.
A second hearing will be held next month to determine legal fees and expenses.