A Call for Witnesses: Survivors of Major Michael Stockin
Army doctor Major Michael Stockin has been accused of sexually abusing at least 23 individuals, including his own patients who trusted him with their care. An active criminal probe into the alleged sexual abuse has been ongoing for more than a year and charges could be imminent, according to sources from the Pentagon who spoke with the press.
“If the allegations are true, then it is unconscionable what this doctor did,” said PCVA attorney Michael McNeil, who served as a staff sergeant in the U.S. Army. “Patients put their utmost trust into healthcare professionals, and to have that trust violated in such an egregious manner—by a doctor who is a member of the military no less—will undoubtedly cause abuse survivors tremendous harm and long lasting damages.”
This article provides information about Dr. Stockin, the allegations of abuse against him and suing the U.S. military. If you have any information pertaining to these allegations, please do not hesitate to contact us.
Who is Major Michael Stockin?
As of September 1, 2023, Dr. Stockin is 37 years old. He was assigned as an anesthesiologist to Madigan Army Medical Center at Joint Base Lewis-McChord near Tacoma in Washington since July 2019. According to the website Healthgrades.com, Dr. Stockin is a pain medical specialist.
Over his 10-year career in the military, Dr. Stockin has worked at locales far and wide, including Iraq, Tripler Army Medical Center in Hawaii and Walter Reed National Military Medical Center outside of D.C.
As of February 2022, Dr. Stockin was barred by the Army from seeing patients.
According to documents filed in Pierce County, Dr. Stockin also faced allegations of abuse in his divorce case, in which his wife sought a protective order against him alleging verbal abuse, harassment and unwanted sexual contact during the marriage.
What are the allegations against Major Michael Stockin?
According to a report publishing in The Washington Post, at least 23 people have come forward so far alleging that Dr. Stockin sexually assaulted them. Details on how many of these victims were patients are unclear, but we do know that at least some of them were. This means that Stockin may have abused his position as a doctor, taking advantage of the trust inherent in the doctor-patient relationship.
The case is already shaping up to be one of the military’s largest sex-abuse cases in recent history, and there’s a high likelihood more victims will come forward with their own allegations.
“Oftentimes what we see when you have a person in a position of authority who abuses their power is widespread abuse of that power,” McNeil said. “For example, PCVA is currently pursuing at least 70 cases against Dr. Darius Paduch, a urologist who was formerly employed at a major New York City hospital and abused his patients.”
Specifics of the alleged assaults have largely not been made public. However, a solider and former patient of Dr. Stockin’s spoke to The Washington Post and provided details to the outlet about his experience.
During a visit to Dr. Stockin to address pain associated with the patient’s lower back, Dr. Stockin asked the soldier to lower his pants. The doctor proceeded to touch the man’s lower extremities before moving up the leg to the patient’s genitals. This patient left the appointment confused, feeling that the examination was inappropriate, which he confirmed when he relayed the story to his general practitioner. He then reported Dr. Stockin to the authorities.
I feel like I was violated by Major Michael Stockin, but does it merit filing a lawsuit?
Dr. Stockin allegedly exploited his position as a physician, harming his patients through sexual abuse. Even if there is no physical injury to the body, sexual abuse almost always has serious psychological effects.
The effects of sexual violence can include:
- Post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD)
- Flashbacks
- Anxiety
- Depression
- Dissociation
- Panic attacks
- Substance abuse
- Disordered sleep
- Sexual dysfunction
These are serious issues that can harm a person’s ability to work, study, maintain relationships and enjoy their lives the way they used to. Treatment for sexual abuse-related damage can take a long time and become very expensive.
Can I sue the military for sexual abuse?
Due to what is known as the Feres Doctrine, the answer is that it depends.
“The Feres Doctrine bars active-duty, reserve and National Guard members from bringing a lawsuit against the government when they are injured in the course of their service, but it doesn’t bar private citizens,” Michael McNeil said. “Spouses, kids and civilian contractors are not barred by the Feres Doctrine from bringing a lawsuit, which means that if they were to have been sexually abused by a military doctor, they could bring a lawsuit against the government.”
Understanding your rights under the Feres Doctrine can be complicated. We recommend that you contact PCVA to speak to a qualified attorney for free to learn more.
How long do I have to file a lawsuit against the military if I were sexually assaulted or abused?
The statute of limitations, which is the amount of time you have to bring a lawsuit, can vary and will depend on the facts of your case. “It is always best to consult an attorney about whether the statute of limitations has passed in your particular case because often times there are exceptions that either pause the running of the statute of limitations or restart it,” said Michael McNeil. To better understand your rights and abilities to bring a lawsuit for sexual abuse against the government, contact PCVA to speak with a qualified attorney.
Can I come forward or sue anonymously if I’m worried about my privacy?
Yes. Coming forward to discuss your situation with an attorney is always private, and the law usually allows attorneys to file lawsuits on behalf of survivors of sexual abuse using a pseudonym, like “John Doe” or “Jane Doe,” or with the survivor’s initials. Moreover, it may be possible to resolve your case privately without filing a lawsuit or going to court.
How can survivors receive damages for sexual abuse?
Our attorneys have decades of experience handling some of the most complicated and concerning sexual abuse cases in the country and are often consulted by other law firms for guidance and expertise when representing sexual abuse survivors. We take a trauma-informed approach to our representation that acknowledges the sensitive nature of these cases, and we put our clients’ needs and desires first.
Every case is different and results – which depend on the facts of the case – cannot be guaranteed. However, we will fight to hold accountable the institutions and individuals who failed to protect survivors. Through our efforts, we have helped recover hundreds of millions of dollars in damages on behalf of abuse survivors. While no amount of monetary compensation can erase the trauma of abuse, the financial assistance can help pay for necessary expenses to allow the healing process to begin.
If you or someone you know has experienced sexual abuse or assault at the hands of Major Michael Stockin, our attorneys are here to listen and help. Learn more about how we help sexual abuse survivors or schedule a free no obligation consultation with one of our lawyers by completing our online form or by calling us at (206) 536-2850.
How much do you charge?
Our work is done on a contingency basis. This means that you do not pay us on an hourly basis, and we pay all litigation costs in your case up front so that you do not have to. If we help you resolve your case, we receive a percentage of the amount you receive, and you reimburse us for the costs we advanced on your behalf.
Our Case Results
PCVA has a lengthy history of pursuing damages arising from healthcare professionals who abused their positions of authority to sexually assault patients. Most recently, we are pursuing dozens of claims against notorious sexual predator and former New York City urologist Dr. Darius Paduch. You can learn more about this case and its most recent developments here.
Some additional results we have achieved for our clients are listed below.
Confidential Settlements Reached in Pediatric Endocrinologist Sexual Abuse Case Against Rockefeller University Hospital
$8M Settlement Reached in Foss Home and Village Sex Abuse Lawsuit
$7.5M Settlement Reached in Coach Sexual Abuse Case Against Black Hills Football Club
$4.9M Settlement Reached in Toutle River Boys Ranch Sex Abuse Lawsuit
$4.2M Settlement Reached in Coach Sexual Abuse Case Against University Place School District
$1.4M Settlement Reached in Washington Department of Social and Health Services Foster Services Sex Abuse Lawsuit