Attorneys at Pfau Cochran Vertetis Amala PLLC (PCVA Law) have filed a lawsuit on behalf of two former patients who allege they were sexually abused by Dr. Mark Hoffman, a New York physician arrested on March 5, 2026 over allegations of unwanted sexual contact with a patient. The lawsuit alleges that Optum Medical Care and Prohealth knew of the risks Dr. Hoffman posed, ignored multiple complaints, and failed to put safeguards in place to protect the patients he is accused of abusing while they were undergoing cancer treatment.
It is the first civil lawsuit filed since Dr. Hoffman’s arrest. Hoffman has been licensed to practice medicine in New York State since 1983, which means there may be many other survivors who have not yet come forward.
What the Lawsuit Alleges
According to the lawsuit, Optum Medical Care and Prohealth were aware of the risks posed by Dr. Hoffman but ignored multiple complaints and failed to implement the oversight needed to protect vulnerable patients in their care.
One patient sent a letter to Optum Medical Care complaining about Dr. Hoffman’s behavior. The lawsuit alleges her complaint was brushed off, with Optum Medical Care responding, “we understand your concerns, but Dr. Hoffman is a hugger.”
“You Trust Your Doctor to Be Your Advocate, Not Your Abuser”
“You trust your doctor to be your advocate, not your abuser. I’m bringing this lawsuit forward to ensure that Optum Medical Care and Prohealth, and any other provider, can never again look the other way while a patient is being violated in the course of their care. No one should have to walk into a medical appointment and fear they may be preyed upon.”
Jane Doe, one of the plaintiffs whose lawsuit was filed today
Holding Medical Institutions Accountable
“Medical institutions have a responsibility to protect the people in their care, yet time and again, we see them prioritize their own reputations over patient safety. Our clients allege Optum Medical Care and Prohealth had every opportunity to act on complaints and red flags that Dr. Hoffman was sexually abusing their patients, but they chose to do nothing and to remain silent. Our clients are survivors of both a predatory physician and a system that failed to protect them. We intend to hold every responsible party fully accountable for this systemic and inexcusable failure.”
Rachel L. Jacobs, partner at PCVA Law and attorney for the survivors
How the Case Has Unfolded
After an investigation and statements from witnesses, the Nassau County Police Department arrested Dr. Hoffman on March 5, 2026. As the criminal case moved forward in April 2026, Hoffman requested an Interim Order of Conditions from the New York State Board for Professional Medical Conduct. Effective May 11, 2026, that order required a chaperone to be present at every patient visit.
A Pattern of Institutional Failure
Dr. Hoffman is the latest in a pattern of physicians whose alleged abuse continued while the institutions around them stayed silent, joining names such as Dr. Darius Paduch and Dr. Robert Hadden. In each case, the harm to patients was compounded by the failure of the people and organizations entrusted to oversee their care.
PCVA Law’s Investigation Continues
PCVA Law is continuing to investigate the full scope of Dr. Hoffman’s misconduct and the systemic failures at Optum Medical Care and Prohealth. We encourage any former patients or staff who were harmed or who witnessed abuse to reach out and join this fight for justice and accountability.
Were you a patient of Dr. Mark Hoffman?
If you or someone you love was harmed, our team is here to talk confidentially and at no cost. Your conversation with us is private, and there is no obligation.
About PCVA Law
Pfau Cochran Vertetis Amala PLLC (PCVA Law) currently represents hundreds of survivors who were sexually abused as children and adults throughout New York State and nationwide. Since 2002, PCVA’s nationally recognized attorneys have represented thousands of child and adult sexual abuse survivors in substantial and complex cases across the country, including cases against the Catholic church, the Mormon church, the Boy Scouts of America, and major medical institutions. PCVA has represented over 450 survivors of sexual abuse perpetrated by physicians.