Denver Trial Lawyers® is currently reviewing claims from victims who were sexually abused by Denver cardiologist Stephen Matthews.
Matthews was recently found guilty on 35 of 38 counts for drugging and sexually assaulting women he met on dating apps. Now, as he awaits his criminal sentencing, survivors are stepping forward to explore their options for holding the former cardiologist liable in civil lawsuits.
Denver Trial Lawyers® is an award-winning trial practice that litigates sexual abuse claims on behalf of survivors nationwide. Comprised of passionate and experienced attorneys, we’ve taken on powerful institutions, secured landmark verdicts and settlements, and recovered over a billion dollars in compensation for survivors. If you have questions about a sexual assault or abuse lawsuit involving Dr. Stephen Matthews, we can help.
Call (303) 647-9990 or contact us online for a FREE and confidential consultation.
Dr. Stephen Matthews’ History of Sexual Abuse
Dr. Stephen Matthews was a former cardiologist who practiced in the Denver Metro area and who came under scrutiny by authorities in March of 2023. Here’s a timeline of events leading up to Dr. Matthews’ recent conviction:
- On March 22, 2023, Matthews was arrested by Denver Police in connection to a single assault on one victim. According to the arrest affidavit, the assault occurred in late January 2023 against a victim who was assaulted at Matthews’ home after the two had gone to brunch. The victim reported that Matthews had made her a drink, that she soon began to feel “poorly,” and that she had lost memory for most of that day. The victim later learned that she had taken an Uber home and called several friends and family members who came to check on her and called the paramedics. She also recalled having hickies on her chest that were not present before she blacked out.
- On March 29, 2023, just five days after Matthews’ arrest, another female victim stepped forward to report that she was drugged under similar circumstances. She also reported that she believed she was sexually assaulted when she blacked out and lost her memory after having a drink made by Matthews.
- From April 2023 through May 2023, at least eight additional women came forward to report similar stories involving Matthews, bringing the total number of victims to 10.
- On August 13, 2024, Matthews was found guilty in Denver District Court on 35 of 38 criminal charges related to non-consensual sexual assault and drugging of the 10 victims. His sentencing is set for late October.
In all cases involved in the criminal trial, survivors reported that they met Matthews on dating apps such as Hinge and Tinder. Most of the women reported that they were given a drink before blacking out or that Matthew attempted to give them a drink, and several said that they were sexually assaulted. There are no records of disciplinary actions on Mattews’ medical license and currently no claims that he sexually assaulted patients in the course of his employment as a cardiologist at any of the seven Denver-area offices where he practiced.
The Denver Police Sex Crimes Unit, given the nature of Matthews’ crimes and the number of victims who have already stepped forward, suspect there could be other survivors and continues to encourage anyone who believes that they were a victim of Matthews to contact authorities.
Survivors of Dr. Stephen Matthews’ Sexual Abuse May Seek Justice & Compensation Through Civil Claims
Dr. Stephen Matthews has been found guilty in criminal court and will be sentenced for his crimes. And while this does provide some sense of justice, it does not address issues of liability or provide survivors with meaningful compensation. Instead, survivors will need to pursue a recovery of their damages by filing lawsuits in civil court.
Fortunately, Colorado allows victims of sexual assault and abuse to file civil lawsuits against their abusers. In some cases, survivors may also have viable claims against institutions that played a role in negligently allowing abuse to happen.
Do I Have a Case?
You may have grounds to file a civil lawsuit if:
- You were drugged, sexually assaulted, or sexually abused by Dr. Stephen Matthews.
- The abuse took place at Matthews’ home or any other private location, or in the course of his employment as a cardiologist at any medical facility.
Call For a FREE Consultation: (303) 647-9990
Denver Trial Lawyers® has been trusted by hundreds of survivors to help them seek justice and compensation following sexual abuse and assault.
If you have questions about your right to pursue a claim over an assault or altercation involving Dr. Stephen Matthews, we’re available to discuss your matter during a FREE and confidential consultation. Because Colorado imposes a statute of limitations upon civil sexual assault and abuse claims, we encourage survivors to reach out to our firm as soon as possible to preserve their right to compensation.
To request your FREE and confidential case review, call (303) 647-9990 or contact us online.
