Dr. Zhi Alan Cheng Sexual Abuse Lawsuits

Confidential Consultations for Survivors of Sexual Abuse Disguised as Medical Care

At Injury Lawyer Team, we stand with survivors of Dr. Zhi Alan Cheng sexual abuse and other devastating acts of medical sexual abuse committed by individuals entrusted with patient care. 

When a doctor crosses the line into a sexual predator, the damage extends far beyond the physical harm. It shatters trust in the medical system, undermines a survivor’s sense of safety, and leaves lifelong emotional scars.

In this case, the abuse occurred where healing should have taken place, inside respected hospitals. Dr. Cheng used his position, authority, and access to hospital patients to commit egregious acts of predatory sexual assault, targeting unconscious victims who could not defend themselves or give consent.

If you were sexually assaulted as a hospital victim, treated by this former gastroenterologist, or are just now connecting the dots between your symptoms, gaps in memory, and the horrifying truth of what happened, our team is here to help you seek justice and pursue compensation with dignity and care.

Dr. Zhi Alan Cheng Raped Patients at NewYork Presbyterian Queens Hospital

Dr. Zhi Alan Cheng, 35, was employed at New York Presbyterian Queens Hospital, a facility that patients trusted for safe and professional medical procedures. Instead, prosecutors revealed he was a serial rapist who sexually abused and raped patients not only inside hospital walls but also in his personal spaces, including Cheng’s home.

According to a report by the district attorney, the scope of the abuse extended far beyond what originally appeared to be a few isolated incidents. Investigators confirmed that Cheng assaulted at least seven women in addition to the woman who originally accused him, including three patients and a female acquaintance, with other women later coming forward. 

In total, the district attorney listed four female patients and four additional women sexually assaulted in his apartment.

Key findings in the case included:

• Sedated patients sexually abused during and after medical procedures
• Victims rendered unconscious using an unknown substance or other controlled substance
• Acts of assaulting acquaintances both inside Cheng’s apartment and in other locations
• Video evidence recovered that showed Cheng recorded these assaults (found on Cheng’s device)
• Unlawful surveillance involving patients and acquaintances without their knowledge or consent
• Possession of illegal or unprescribed substances, resulting in criminal possession charges
• Abuse linked beyond New York City, with investigative connections to San Francisco, Las Vegas, and Westchester County

Investigators recovered disturbing digital footage and medical records that supported what survivors had long suspected but were too afraid to voice. The presence of structured planning, use of substances, and documentation of the abuse further supported the conclusion that Cheng was acting as a serial rapist and sexual predator, not a confused or accidental offender.

Eventually, in criminal court, Cheng pleaded guilty to multiple counts, including first degree sexual abuse and other serious felony charges, including:

• Three counts involving female hospital patients
• One count related to unlawful surveillance
• Seven counts tied to incidents involving unconscious or semi-conscious acquaintances
• Additional counts related to evidence tampering and possession of illegal substances

He entered a partial Alford plea, meaning he accepted punishment without formally admitting guilt for every charge, a tactic often used in high-profile cases where evidence, including video and forensic data, makes conviction inevitable.

Following his plea, Dr. Cheng was sentenced to 24 years in prison, and his medical license was revoked, permanently stripping him of the ability to practice again. This was a critical step in ensuring that he could never again place another patient at risk.

We have closely followed this case and helped amplify awareness. Our mission at Injury Lawyer Team is to move beyond headlines and toward real solutions for survivors: emotionally, legally, and strategically.

What Damages Can Victims of Medical Malpractice Recover?

Victims of doctor sexual abuse lawsuits, including those harmed by Dr. Cheng’s predatory sexual assault, may be entitled to significant financial compensation through the civil justice system.

Economic Damages

These represent tangible financial losses and may include:

• Emergency treatment and ongoing medical care
• Mental health treatment (counseling, therapy, psychiatry)
• Medication for anxiety, nightmares, depression, and PTSD
• Lost income and reduced earning capacity
• Costs of changing doctors or treatment facilities
• Future medical support and rehabilitation

Non-Economic Damages

These compensate for the intangible damage survivors endure:

• Pain and suffering
• Psychological trauma and emotional distress
• Loss of enjoyment of life
• Humiliation, embarrassment, and fear
• Loss of trust in medical institutions
• Damage to relationships and intimacy

Given the documented behavior (abuse of unconscious patients, proof of a sexual predator pattern, and unlawful surveillance), courts may also award punitive damages, specifically meant to punish the offender and deter other medical professionals from engaging in similar misconduct.

What Laws Govern Medical Sexual Abuse Lawsuits in New York?

Filing a New York sexual assault lawsuit in a medical context often involves overlapping legal theories that address both criminal acts and medical misconduct. Key statutes include:

• New York Penal Law § 130.90 – Facilitating a sex offense with a controlled substance
• New York Public Health Law § 230-A – Governs professional standards and medical discipline

These laws exist to protect patients when medical professionals abuse their power and patients’ inability to consent.

How Long Do Medical Abuse Survivors Have to Take Legal Action in New York?

The New York sexual abuse statute of limitations is governed primarily by CPLR § 213-C, which outlines a 20-year period of 20 years for filing civil claims following sexual abuse.

In addition, the state enacted the Adult Survivors Act (Senate Bill S66A), which (although now expired) temporarily reopened a window for survivors to seek justice even if the original statute had passed.

If you are reading this and wondering whether it might be “too late,” we encourage you to speak with us.

Often, the timeline begins when the survivor discovers the abuse occurred, not when the assault itself happened. This is especially true for unconscious victims and sedated patients.

Who Can Be Held Responsible in Sexual Abuse Cases Involving Dr. Zhi Alan Cheng?

When abuse occurs inside a hospital environment, responsibility often goes beyond the doctor alone. Potentially liable parties include:

• Dr. Zhi Alan Cheng himself, for criminal and civil liability
• New York Presbyterian Queens Hospital, for negligent supervision, hiring, and retention
• Former supervisors and administrators
• Medical oversight authorities
• Third-party staffing agencies or credentialing entities

Institutional failures frequently play a role in allowing predators to continue offending. This is why civil lawsuits are critical; they force reform and prevention.

How to Protect Your Legal Rights and Strengthen Your Civil Lawsuit Against Dr. Zhi Alan Cheng

If you may be a victim of Dr. Zhi Alan Cheng, here is what you can do to strengthen your case:

• Preserve all medical records and scheduling documents
• Write down everything you remember, even fragments
• Save emails or communication with the hospital
• Seek psychological or trauma counseling
• Do not delete photos or digital messages
• Contact our team for a confidential consultation

In a hospital sexual abuse lawsuit, early documentation is essential. These steps help us clearly establish when the abuse occurred, how, and under what medical conditions.

How Injury Lawyer Team Can Help

At Injury Lawyer Team, we walk beside our clients through both healing and civil action after medical sexual abuse. We understand how difficult it can be to come forward, especially when the abuse occurred at the hands of a trusted medical professional or inside a respected institution. That’s why we approach every case with care, discretion, and a trauma-informed mindset.

We support survivors by providing:

• Safe, confidential case evaluations where you control the pace of the conversation
• Survivor-centered legal representation built around your comfort, privacy, and goals
• Thorough medical and forensic investigation, including review of records, timelines, and hospital protocols
• Coordination with trusted mental health and survivor-support resources
• Strategic litigation against individuals and medical institutions that allowed the abuse to occur
• Persistent pursuit of financial compensation for physical, emotional, and long-term harm

We believe in your case, and we are committed to holding every responsible party accountable while protecting your dignity at every step.

FAQs

Can victims who were unconscious at the time of the assault file lawsuits?

Yes. Being unconscious or sedated removes the ability to consent, making any sexual activity unlawful. These cases can still be very strong in both civil and criminal court, especially when supported by medical or video evidence.

What is a Jane Doe lawsuit?

A Jane Doe lawsuit allows you to file a lawsuit anonymously, keeping your identity out of public records while your attorney moves the case forward on your behalf.

Do survivors of sexual abuse need to appear in court?

Most cases settle before trial, and many survivors never need to appear in open court. If your involvement is required, your attorney will guide and support you throughout the process.

How long do civil lawsuits take to settle?

The time it takes to settle a sexual abuse lawsuit depends on the complexity of the case, the available evidence, and whether the defendant chooses to negotiate or fight the claims.

What is the difference between an Alford plea and a guilty plea?

A guilty plea is an admission of responsibility. An Alford plea allows the defendant to accept punishment without formally admitting guilt, even though sufficient evidence exists to convict.

How much does it cost to hire an attorney?

We handle sexual abuse lawsuits on a contingency basis, meaning you pay nothing upfront and only pay if we recover compensation for you.

What evidence do victims need to support civil claims?

The evidence needed to support a sexual abuse lawsuit may include medical records, sedation logs, video evidence, witness testimony, hospital reports, prescriptions, or therapy records. Even without these, we can assist in gathering the necessary proof.

Book a Free Consultation With Our Legal Team

If you believe that you were one of the victims of sexual assault committed by Dr. Cheng, reach out to us today. We offer a free, confidential consultation and handle cases on a contingency fee basis, so there are no costs unless we recover compensation for you. 

Our nationally experienced legal team provides survivor-centered representation every step of the way. We stand with you, and we are ready to fight for you.

All content undergoes thorough legal review by experienced attorneys, including Jonathan Rosenfeld. With 25 years of experience in personal injury law and over 100 years of combined legal expertise within our team, we ensure that every article is legally accurate, compliant, and reflects current legal standards.