FTCA Sexual Assault Complaints Against Army Doctor

Case name: John Doe 1& John Doe 2 v. the U.S. Army and the U.S. Department of Defense

Case type: Sexual Violence, Title IX, and Victims’ Rights

Case Summary

On September 14, 2023, Sanford Heisler Sharp McKnight filed two separate Federal Tort Claims Act (“FTCA”) administrative complaints against the U.S. Department of the Army and the U.S. Department of Defense (collectively, “the Army”) on behalf of John Doe 1 and John Doe 2. Both are former patients of Dr. Michael Stockin, an Army doctor who faces criminal charges for sexually abusing numerous former patients.

On November 13, 2023, Sanford Heisler Sharp McKnight filed five additional FTCA administrative complaints on behalf of John Does 3 through 7, and on March 19, 2024, Sanford Heisler Sharp McKnight filed four more complaints on behalf of John Does 8 through 11. On June 27, 2024, Sanford Heisler Sharp McKnight filed complaints on behalf of John Does 12 through 15.

All of the firm’s clients were being treated by Dr. Stockin for back pain at Madigan Medical Center while they were stationed at Joint Base Lewis McChord in Tacoma, Washington. They allege a similar pattern of abuse, including that Dr. Stockin forced them to disrobe unnecessarily during their appointments, and then, with his bare hands and no chaperone present, fondled the patients’ genitals. The abuse occurred during patient visits between 2019 and 2022. Dr. Stockin committed the abuse under the guise of conducting nerve sensory examinations or administering injections for lower back pain.

Sanford Heisler Sharp McKnight is seeking to hold the Army responsible for failing to protect John Does 1 through 7 from sexual abuse at the hands of an Army doctor who now stands accused of sexually assaulting dozens of victims. Further, the administrative complaints allege that the Army was negligent in its hiring, supervision, and retention of Dr. Stockin.

Under the Federal Torts Claims Act, the first step for individuals with claims against an agency of the federal government, such as the Army, is to file an administrative complaint against the agency at fault.

We know how difficult it is to come forward to disclose sexual abuse. Sanford Heisler Sharp McKnight’s Sexual Violence, Title IX and Victims’ Rights Practice Group, led by Co-Chairs Christine Dunn and Carolin Guentert, has extensive experience helping survivors. We are trained in trauma-informed advocacy and represent clients in a compassionate and victim-centered manner. With law offices throughout the United States, we regularly take on some of the nation’s most powerful institutions, including colleges and universities, public school districts, hospitals, and government entities.

If you or someone you know was harmed by Dr. Michael Stockin, please contact Christine Dunn at (202) 499-5214, or at [email protected]. You can also contact the team by completing our online form here.