A former physician at Cincinnati Children’s Hospital has been federally charged with transporting and possessing more than 150,000 images and 470 videos of child sexual abuse material, according to court filings. Some materials depicted victims as young as newborns. These allegations are shocking, heartbreaking, and a powerful reminder that abuse can hide behind professional credentials and positions of trust.
Dr. Howard M. Saal, 73, worked for years at Cincinnati Children’s Hospital as a geneticist and dysmorphologist before these charges came to light. Federal authorities say they began investigating after a cyber tip tied Saal’s IP address to searches for child sexual abuse material. After executing a search warrant this year, investigators found an enormous cache of illegal images and videos on his devices.
At this time, law enforcement has stated they have not found evidence that the material involved any patients or children connected with the hospital. However, this case has left many families shaken. Parents are seeking answers and asking how this could have happened.
This Is a Betrayal of Trust And Survivors Are Stepping Forward
When children visit a doctor, parents trust that their child is protected. They expect their child to be respected and cared for especially in sensitive medical situations. The allegations against Dr. Saal are a painful reminder that predators can hide in plain sight, even within institutions dedicated to children’s health and safety.
In the wake of this case, many survivors and their families are coming forward, sharing their stories, and pursuing civil claims against Dr. Saal and associated entities. These claims are an important part of seeking accountability. They ensure that survivors are supported, believed, and empowered to reclaim their lives.
There are also reports and lawsuits alleging that complaints and warning signs were ignored by the hospital. These raise critical questions about institutional responsibility and whether proper safeguards were in place.
Why Civil Litigation Matters Beyond Criminal Charges
Federal criminal charges are one form of accountability, but they do not compensate survivors for the emotional, physical, and psychological harm they endured. That’s where civil action matters.
Civil litigation can:
- Offer financial support for therapy, counseling, and long-term recovery
- Hold individuals and institutions accountable for failures to prevent abuse
- Require institutions to review and reform policies that allowed abuse to continue
- Provide a public forum for survivors to be heard
These cases are often emotionally difficult, but they empower survivors. They ensure that the harms are acknowledged not just in courtrooms but in the record of accountability.
We’re Here to Help If You’ve Been Impacted by Dr. Saal
At Andreozzi + Foote, we are currently representing many survivors who are bringing forward claims in connection with this case. And we are encouraging anyone who may have been impacted by Dr. Saal’s conduct, whether directly or indirectly, to contact us today.
You may be wondering:
- “Could this apply to my child?”
- “Should I speak with an attorney even if I’m unsure?”
- “What are my rights and legal options?”
You deserve answers and we can help you find them.
Please contact us for a confidential conversation about your legal rights and options.
No matter where you are in your healing journey, we can support you with care, respect, and advocacy.
Call Andreozzi + Foote today at 1-800-753-5458
We’re here to listen, guide, and stand with you.
Important Reminder
If you or someone you know was harmed, reporting the abuse to law enforcement and seeking medical and emotional support is critical. Civil claims can run alongside criminal investigations, and survivors benefit from both support networks and legal guidance.
You are not alone and there is help, accountability, and justice available.