CHARLESTON – A $23 million settlement in a class-action lawsuit over a Charleston gastroenterologist who allegedly sexually abused about 2,500 female patients has been given preliminary approval.
Kanawha County Circuit Judge Jennifer Bailey gave the preliminary OK during a December 15 hearing for former patients of Dr. Steven Matulis at Charleston Area Medical Center’s endoscopy suite. The final hearing is scheduled for March 10.
The $23.1 million proposed settlement only covers claims against CAMC involving medical malpractice, and that amount represents insurance coverage limits for such claims. Sexual harassment and third-party discrimination claims still are part of a pending case, and claims against Matulis and Charleston Gastroenterology Associates still are pending.