The duty to protect and serve does not end at the administrative level of the U.S. military. Military personnel make significant and brave sacrifices to defend our country, and deserve to be equally protected. Sanford Heisler Sharp is bringing legal action against the Army for failing to protect two men from being sexually abused by an Army doctor, Major Michael Stockin, who now faces criminal charges for the abuse of numerous patients under his care at Madigan Army Medical Center on Joint Base Lewis-McChord in Tacoma, Washington.
Our clients, John Doe 1 and John Doe 2, are two of Stockin’s alleged victims. Under the guise of conducting medical exams, Stockin, a pain management specialist, took advantage of our clients’ trust not only in him but in the Army’s oversight of its own physicians.
Pursuing justice through the civilian legal system
On August 30, 2023, Army officials announced that the Army was bringing criminal charges against Dr. Stockin for sexually abusing at least 23 victims, including charges of abusive sexual contact and indecent viewing.
On September 14, 2023, Sanford Heisler Sharp filed Federal Torts Claims Act (FTCA) administrative complaints against the Army on behalf of our clients. When pursuing a civil lawsuit against a government agency, the first step is to file an FTCA administrative complaint against the government entity at fault.
Our complaints allege that the Army is liable for negligence in hiring, supervising, and retaining Dr. Stockin, and for failing to implement adequate safeguards to protect patients from abuse.
Survivors of Abuse in the Military Have Legal Options: Contact Our Firm.
Our firm is committed to giving survivors of sex abuse a voice in the justice system. Criminal charges often fail to adequately address the tremendous and lifelong harm that survivors endure. The civil justice process is another avenue to help secure the justice and compensation that our clients deserve while also holding institutions, like the Army, accountable to prevent further harm.
If you or someone you know was sexually abused in the military, please reach out to our team. We offer a safe, supportive and confidential space for you to seek guidance on your legal options.