Chiropractor in Batavia Faces Lawsuit Over Secret Recordings

A civil rights lawsuit has been filed against Dr. David Hanson, a chiropractor based in Batavia, Illinois, who is accused of secretly recording patients, including minors, without their consent. The suit alleges serious violations of privacy and trust, as patients reported that Hanson recorded them during treatment sessions without their knowledge.

The allegations against Hanson are severe. The Kane County State’s Attorney’s Office has charged him with five counts of producing child pornography, three counts of disseminating child pornography, six counts of possessing child pornography, and three counts of unauthorized video recording of a minor. The office is currently conducting a separate criminal investigation into these allegations.

Gina Deboni, a national partner at Romanucci & Blandin, is representing the plaintiffs in the civil case. She emphasized the gravity of the situation, stating, “Here, children undressed in what should have been a safe and protected space. All the while, they were being secretly recorded.” Deboni’s remarks highlight the significant breach of trust inherent in the alleged actions of the chiropractor, underscoring that patients should feel secure in their medical provider’s office.

In response to this troubling incident, Illinois state Representative Curtis Tarver has announced plans to introduce legislation in the next session of the Illinois General Assembly. This proposed legislation aims to establish accountability and oversight for businesses that utilize cameras in private or semi-private environments, potentially preventing similar violations in the future.

As the case unfolds, it raises critical questions about patient privacy rights and the ethical responsibilities of healthcare providers. The outcomes of both the civil lawsuit and the criminal proceedings against Dr. Hanson will likely have significant implications for how such cases are handled in the future, potentially influencing policy changes in Illinois and beyond.

This situation serves as a stark reminder of the importance of safeguarding patient privacy and ensuring that healthcare environments remain safe and trustworthy for all individuals, especially vulnerable populations such as children.