Dr. Howard Saal Sex Abuse Lawsuit
Dr. Howard Saal, a former physician who worked with children with birth defects at Cincinnati Children’s Hospital for more than 30 years, was recently arrested and charged with transportation and possession of child pornography. Many survivors and their parents have filed civil lawsuits against Saal and the hospital, asserting that the doctor abused them or their children during appointments.
If Howard Saal has sexually abused you or a loved one, you may be eligible to file a lawsuit to recover damages.
Have you experienced sexual assault or abuse?
Helping Survivors can connect you with an attorney if you may have a case. While we cannot report a crime on your behalf, your safety is important. Please contact your local authorities for further assistance.
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Author: Kathryn Kosmides
Survivor Advocate
- Howard Saal was a Cincinnati children’s hospital physician who was arrested in June 2025 after the FBI discovered child sexual abuse material in his home.
- Patients and their parents have since come forward with allegations of abuse by the doctor, asserting that he took photos of nude children during appointments and touched them inappropriately.
- If you or a loved one survived abuse by Dr. Howard Saal, Helping Survivors can help you determine your legal rights and options for holding the responsible parties accountable.
Who Is Dr. Howard Saal?
Howard M. Saal, 73, is a former Cincinnati Children’s Hospital doctor who was recently charged with federal child pornography crimes. Saal was previously employed as a geneticist and dysmorphologist at Cincinnati Children’s Hospital, dating back to 1993. In February 2025, the FBI received a tip about Saal, and they subsequently raided his home. Investigators found more than 153,000 images and 470 videos of child sexual abuse material, or CSAM, involving child victims as young as newborns in Saal’s electronic devices.
Despite the investigation, the hospital never fired Saal. However, he resigned on July 14, 2025, and surrendered his medical license a few weeks later. The ex-doctor is currently out on bond as his case proceeds in court.
If you or a loved one experienced inappropriate conduct or abuse by Howard Saal, Helping Survivors can help you understand your legal rights and options for holding him accountable.
Allegations of Sexual Abuse Against Dr. Howard Saal
Despite the FBI’s assurances that there was no evidence that Saal’s CSAM collection involved photos or videos of patients, a new lawsuit filed in August 2025 alleges that he often photographed children while they were nude during medical examinations. The suit also alleges that Saal routinely inappropriately touched children during exams.
One attorney representing more than 50 patients or their parents said there were concerns about Saal dating back many years. The lawsuit he filed against Saal and Cincinnati Children’s Hospital claims both parties were liable for fraud and “spoliation of evidence.” The suit is seeking class action status, as more than 100 other parents have contacted attorneys in recent weeks. Legal professionals are questioning what the hospital knew and when they knew about it.
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Rights of Survivors in Doctor Sexual Abuse Cases
Doctor sexual abuse survivors can seek legal recourse under state law. In Ohio, victims can file a civil sexual abuse lawsuit against both the perpetrator and the institution that employed them for allowing or failing to stop the abuse. You can also report any incidences of abuse to law enforcement, which may prompt criminal charges.
Report Abuse by Dr. Howard Saal to the Medical Board in Ohio
Although Saal’s medical license has been revoked, reporting any abuse you or your children suffered is still important because it can effectuate disciplinary action against Cincinnati Children’s Hospital if the facility is found to have enabled Saal’s abuse. There is no time limit for filing a complaint with the State Medical Board of Ohio, and anyone can file a complaint confidentially.
In late 2024, Ohio Governor Mike DeWine signed Senate Bill 109 into law, enabling the Medical Board to hold licensees accountable when they engage in sexual misconduct or criminal conduct. The law took effect in March 2025.
Report Dr. Howard Saal to Law Enforcement
Survivors of abuse by a doctor such as Saal may report the abuse to law enforcement, which can trigger a criminal investigation. Although Saal is already facing some criminal charges, additional charges can be filed if law enforcement discovers evidence of other crimes.
Any victim can report abuse to a local police agency over the phone or in person. Most police departments have officers who are trained to interact with sexual assault victims. These individuals will support the victim and help them determine their next steps. However, it is smart to speak with an experienced attorney before reporting to law enforcement to ensure that your legal rights are protected.
File a Civil Lawsuit Against Dr. Howard Saal & His Employers for Doctor Sexual Abuse
Victims of doctor sexual abuse or their parents may be able to pursue civil lawsuits against the doctor and their practice or employer for damages. Filing a child sexual abuse lawsuit against an institution means that the organization could be held liable for the harm, especially if they knew it was happening.
When deciding whether to take legal action, it’s important to seek legal representation that can provide dedicated support throughout the process. Helping Survivors can connect you with experienced sexual abuse attorneys to discuss your options and next steps for free.
Statute of Limitations for Ohio Sexual Abuse Lawsuits
Every state has a unique timeline for when child sexual abuse victims can take legal action. In Ohio, minors who have been sexually abused generally have 12 years from the time they turn 18 to file a lawsuit against the perpetrator and any institutions that may have enabled the abuse. There are exceptions to the statute of limitations, and every case is different. It’s crucial for survivors to consult an experienced sexual abuse attorney as soon as possible to explore all available legal options.
How Helping Survivors Can Help With Doctor Sexual Abuse Lawsuits
At Helping Survivors, our mission is to help heal, educate, and empower people impacted by sexual assault and abuse. We work to inform victims of their rights and options, connect them to support resources and educational content, and make legal introductions to our partner law firms. Our legal partners have years of experience navigating sensitive cases, such as those involving doctor sexual abuse, and can work with you and your family to find the best path forward.
After experiencing harm, it’s important for sexual abuse victims and their families to fully understand their legal rights and options for holding the responsible parties accountable. If you or your child experienced abuse by Dr. Howard Saal, contact Helping Survivors. We can connect you with an experienced attorney at no cost today.
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