Hidden Camera Cases in Healthcare: What Northwell Patients Should Know

Northwell is not the first health‑care provider to face a hidden camera scandal, and unfortunately it may not be the last. Understanding how this pattern has unfolded elsewhere can help survivors of the Northwell incident feel less alone and underscore the importance of accountability. This post compares the Northwell case to other notable hidden camera incidents in health care and explains what victims can learn from them.

What happened

In 2014, Johns Hopkins Hospital paid $190 million to settle claims after a gynecologist secretly recorded patients during examinations. In 2019, a jury awarded $2.78 million to a victim of a hidden camera placed in a dressing room. Another case, Robbins v. Lower Merion School District, resulted in a $610,000 settlement for laptop surveillance. These examples show that courts recognise the seriousness of secret recordings and that substantial compensation is possible.

In the Northwell case, a sleep technician installed cameras in bathrooms and changing rooms at the Sleep Disorders Center and STARS Rehabilitation clinics between August 2022 and April 2024.

Northwell notified about 13,000 people in May 2025 and now faces lawsuits brought on behalf of more than 400 victims by Slater Slater Schulman LLP.

What it means for patients

Hidden camera cases share common themes: institutions fail to monitor employees, do not detect devices, and sometimes delay telling victims. Large settlements and verdicts in prior cases demonstrate that courts take privacy violations seriously and that victims can obtain meaningful compensation. For Northwell patients, these precedents provide hope and guidance. They show that even when criminal penalties are light, civil courts can deliver justice. They also underscore the importance of speaking up; when victims come forward, institutions are held accountable and policies change.

What to do (simple steps)

1. Stay informed. Read about similar cases to understand what to expect.

2. Document everything. Keep copies of letters, medical bills and therapy records.

3. Seek legal advice. An attorney can explain how past cases may inform your claim and help you pursue maximum compensation.

Your rights

Victims of hidden camera abuse can seek damages for emotional distress, therapy costs and punitive damages. Prior cases show that compensation can range from tens of thousands to millions of dollars. Even if criminal courts impose light sentences, civil courts can still hold institutions accountable. By filing a claim, you help prevent future abuses and secure your own recovery.

Don't Wait, Act Now

Northwell patients are part of a broader pattern of hidden camera victims in health care. You deserve the same level of accountability and compensation as those in prior cases. Contact us today for a free, confidential case review to learn how past cases inform your rights.