Civil Lawsuit Filed Against Employers of Disgraced Pediatrician Johnnie Barto

A civil lawsuit has been officially launched against the former employers of Johnnie Barto, a disgraced pediatrician. The legal action claims that these medical facilities were well aware of the danger he posed to patients, yet they permitted him to continue practicing without questioning his behavior.

Seeking Financial Compensation for Victims

Currently, five of Barto’s former patients are pursuing financial restitution from his previous employers in Ohio. Earlier in March, Barto received a prison sentence of at least 79 years after being convicted of sexually assaulting 31 minors, many of whom were his students. If you or a loved one is dealing with serious legal matters in Belmont County, consulting a skilled St. Clairsville criminal lawyer can help you navigate the complexities of the justice system.

Allegations Against Laurel Pediatrics Associates

The lawsuits specifically accuse Laurel Pediatrics Associates of knowing about Barto’s dangerous conduct for two decades. Despite this knowledge, they allegedly allowed him to treat and abuse children. The clinic has not provided any comments regarding these claims. Additionally, four Jane Does and one John Doe are seeking damages from Conemaugh Memorial Medical Center, where Barto held medical privileges. The hospital released a statement calling his actions reprehensible and denying any involvement.

The Fight for Systemic Change

During a press conference, attorney Sarah Klein stated, “We’re really just getting started.” Klein, a former Olympic gymnast and the first survivor to speak out against former national team doctor Larry Nassar, emphasized the need for widespread reform. “There’s a massive problem in the medical community here and in other places, and we’re going to insist on change that makes children safe.” In complex legal battles, having a knowledgeable St. Clairsville OVI attorney from the Youngstown Criminal Law Group is crucial for protecting your rights.

Missed Opportunities to Stop the Abuse

Shockingly, state authorities had an opportunity to stop Barto back in 2000 but failed to act. After two young girls who were abused in 1999 reported him to the medical board, regulators dismissed the case, claiming the accusations were “incongruous to his reputation.” He was allowed to continue practicing medicine. Because he was a prominent pediatrician in St. Clairsville and an elected school board member, he was highly respected, leading many to dismiss the possibility of his crimes.

A False Sense of Invincibility and Complicity of Staff

Following the dismissed case, Barto told authorities after his January 2018 arrest that he felt “invincible.” This false sense of security emboldened him to continue abusing dozens of young patients. Whether facing abuse allegations or needing a St. Clairsville criminal lawyer for other offenses, securing strong legal representation is vital. The civil lawsuit contends that Barto’s colleagues were entirely aware of the unreasonably high risk he posed. Through silence, denial, and misrepresentation, they failed to protect minor patients.

The suit also names two other healthcare providers at Laurel Pediatrics who allegedly minimized the accusations: pediatrician Dr. Elaine Confer and nurse practitioner Bradley Callihan. In October 2016, after Barto abused a 10-year-old boy and his 8-year-old sister, their mother confronted Dr. Confer. The lawsuit states Confer admitted she knew of Barto’s inappropriate behavior but took no action. Furthermore, almost a decade ago, Barto examined a 16-year-old girl alongside Callihan and an unidentified office manager, performing unnecessary breast and genital exams. According to the suit, the staff defended Barto by stating:

• He was merely being “thorough” in his examination.
• If a medical issue like a lump had been found, the family would not have complained.

For legal assistance, contact the Youngstown Criminal Law Group at (330) 791-8104 today. Or, if you need advice on traffic or DUI matters, reach out to a trusted St. Clairsville OVI attorney to discuss your case.