Damien Knighton Abuse Allegations and Lawsuit
Damien Knighton, a former Boston hospital worker, was convicted of six counts of indecent assault after multiple survivors came forward with allegations of sexual misconduct. If you or a loved one survived sexual abuse at the hands of a medical professional, you have legal rights and options for seeking justice. Helping Survivors is here to provide resources and connect you with experienced sexual assault attorney to file a civil lawsuit.
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Author: Kathryn Kosmides
- Damien Knighton, a former Boston hospital worker, was convicted on multiple charges for sexually assaulting patients at the Massachusetts General Hospital Back Bay Health Center.
- Survivors reported that the assaults occurred within the hospital setting, raising concerns about institutional accountability.
- Legal proceedings led to Knighton’s conviction, with charges highlighting the severity of medical-related sexual abuse cases.
- Survivors of medical sexual abuse have legal rights to pursue civil lawsuits for compensation and justice.
- Helping Survivors provides legal support and resources to connect victims with experienced attorneys for guidance and representation.
Who Is Damien Knighton?
Damien Knighton, a 41-year-old medical assistant at the Massachusetts General Hospital Back Bay Health Center, was arrested in January 2023 on charges of rape and indecent assault of a patient. The hospital placed him on administrative leave after the arrest, and he was later charged with additional counts of indecent assault and battery against four total patients. A Boston jury found Knighton guilty on six charges of indecent assault and battery for sexually assaulting the patients at the health center.
Sexual Assault Allegations Against Damien Knighton
At least four men have accused Knighton of assaulting them at the hospital between 2022 and 2023, according to reports. The survivors allege that Knighton told them that additional exams were needed after their appointments and led them to a separate room without a doctor present. Knighton then instructed the patients to undress, touched them inappropriately, and performed unnecessary rectal exams that he was not trained to conduct.
The first patient to come forward with allegations against Knighton was at the hospital for a follow-up appointment after a shoulder and leg injury. Knighton approached the patient and requested that he remove his clothing for a genital exam. A second victim reported a similar experience of sexual abuse under the guise of a medical examination.
Hospital’s Response and Institutional Accountability
It’s unclear whether MGH Back Bay Health took corrective action against Knighton before placing him on administrative leave following his arrest. However, two patients have now filed lawsuits against the hospital, alleging that administrators knew or should have known about Knighton’s behavior but failed to take the necessary steps to protect patients.
Unfortunately, it’s not uncommon for medical institutions to fail to protect patients from physical and sexual abuse. Abuse often results from a facility’s lack of supervision, negligent hiring and employee retention practices, or ineffective reporting tools for patients who experience abuse. Even if MGH was unaware of Knighton’s behavior, such failures could provide the basis for a lawsuit.
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Damien Knighton: Legal Proceedings and Criminal Conviction
In March 2025, Damien Knighton was sentenced to 9 to 12 years in prison after a jury found him guilty on six counts of indecent sexual assault and battery. Knighton also received a lifetime banishment from the medical field in Massachusetts. During the sentencing, the judge admonished Knighton for using his position as a medical assistant to abuse patients’ trust and commit sexual crimes.
Even though Knighton has already been tried and sentenced for sexually assaulting four patients at MGH, additional victims still have the right to come forward, report the abuse to law enforcement, and pursue civil or criminal action against both Knighton and the hospital.
Legal Rights for Survivors of Medical Sexual Abuse
Survivors can report the abuse to law enforcement, who will conduct a criminal investigation. Prosecutors will ultimately decide whether to bring charges. However, even if additional criminal charges do not result, a report will establish a useful paper trail if you decide to pursue a civil lawsuit. In addition, it may help other victims who come forward with allegations.
Meanwhile, civil lawsuits allow survivors of sexual abuse to hold the perpetrators and institutions that enabled their abuse accountable and recover financial compensation for the harm they endured. Filing suit against an institution—and not just an individual perpetrator—not only gives survivors the chance to recover significantly higher compensation, but it can also hold the institution accountable for its negligence and encourage real change in the system.
In a successful civil lawsuit, survivors may be able to recover compensation for medical and mental health expenses, pain and suffering, emotional distress, lost wages, loss of enjoyment of life, and more.
In Massachusetts, adult survivors of sexual assault generally have three years from the date of the assault to file a lawsuit against the perpetrator. Additionally, for survivors interested in pursuing a lawsuit against the hospital, the statute of limitations for negligence in Massachusetts is also three years.
It’s important to act as quickly as possible if you believe you may have been a victim of Knighton’s abuse. If you wait until after the deadline has passed, your case will likely be dismissed, and you will lose your right to recover compensation.
How Helping Survivors Can Help
As a survivor of sexual abuse or assault, it’s important to fully understand your legal rights and options for pursuing justice, even if you do not wish to take legal action. Every survivor’s experience is unique, and what they choose to do afterward is ultimately their choice. There is no right or wrong answer after experiencing harm. However, gaining full knowledge of your choices empowers you to protect and assert your rights confidently.
At Helping Survivors, we are dedicated to supporting individuals affected by medical-related sexual abuse and empowering them to take action if they choose. We provide educational resources and connect survivors with attorneys who have deep experience handling sexual assault cases. These attorneys can file a civil lawsuit against the individuals, institutions, and organizations that enabled your abuse to hold them accountable and recover compensation for your suffering.
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