Michigan Judge Approves $100M Settlement for Victims of Henry Ford Hospital Doctor’s Sexual Abuse

A Michigan state court has approved a settlement exceeding $100 million to resolve claims from thousands of patients sexually abused or secretly recorded by Dr. Oumair Aejaz, an independent physician affiliated with Henry Ford Macomb Hospital. Judge James Maceroni of Macomb County Circuit Court granted final approval of the agreement and certified a class of approximately 8,200 affected patients.

The settlement concludes litigation filed in September 2024 against Henry Ford Health System and Dr. Aejaz, alleging a pattern of sexual assault and invasion of privacy spanning several years. Aejaz, 41, of Rochester Hills, previously entered no contest pleas to multiple counts of sexual misconduct in state court.

Background of the Allegations

Court filings revealed that Aejaz used hidden cameras to record patients and filmed himself sexually assaulting unconscious victims in hospital settings. His conduct was uncovered after his wife discovered recordings of herself, her children, and other women in their home, as well as footage from a public swimming facility.

Although Aejaz was not a direct employee of Henry Ford Health System, the hospital granted him staff privileges to treat patients. The health system denied knowledge or responsibility for his actions but agreed to the settlement to bring closure to the victims and community.

According to the judge’s order, Henry Ford Health System represented the “only realistic source of recovery” for the victims, given Aejaz’s pending sentencing and lack of assets. He faces a mandatory minimum of 25 years in prison for first-degree criminal sexual conduct and related charges.

Settlement Structure and Payout Distribution

The court-approved settlement establishes a two-phase compensation system reflecting the severity of harm suffered. Under the first phase, the hospital will distribute approximately $41 million to pay $5,000 to each identified patient who may have been treated by Aejaz. Eligibility is determined by medical record review, without the need to prove direct victimization.

The second phase allocates up to $100 million for “severe cases,” offering larger payments to individuals who can verify that they were recorded or assaulted. According to filings, victims who provide proof of being recorded can receive between $75,000 and $275,000. Those whose recordings depict sexual contact are eligible for between $1 million and $2 million. Personal statements from victims describing emotional trauma may justify supplemental awards, reflecting the settlement’s focus on individualized harm and psychological impact.

Henry Ford Health will also cover up to $500,000 in administrative costs for notifying class members. Judge Maceroni approved attorney fees amounting to one-third of the total settlement.

Legal and Institutional Context

The plaintiffs brought claims for invasion of privacy, intentional infliction of emotional distress, negligence, negligent supervision, and premises liability. These claims reflect common tort theories applied in institutional abuse cases, where hospitals and other entities may bear indirect liability for misconduct committed by nonemployee medical staff.

This case underscores how large healthcare institutions manage risk exposure and compliance obligations when independent practitioners operate under hospital privileges. The outcome also highlights the use of class certification in mass tort contexts to achieve broad restitution for victims while maintaining confidentiality and efficiency.

Henry Ford Health’s statement described the settlement as “an important step in the healing process,” reiterating its commitment to patient safety and institutional accountability. Plaintiffs’ counsel praised the resolution as the “second largest of its kind in U.S. history,” noting the absence of objections and minimal opt-outs among class members.

Case Details

Case Name: Jane Doe v. Henry Ford Health System et al.
Court Name: Michigan Circuit Court for the 16th Judicial Circuit (Macomb County)
Case Number: 2024-003733-NZ
Plaintiff Attorneys: Stinar Gould Grieco & Hensley PLLC; Bailey & Glasser LLP