Chesapeake Regional Faces Billion-Dollar Lawsuit: 500+ Women Allege Unnecessary Surgeries
A Dark Chapter Unfolds: Hundreds of Women Seek Justice Against Chesapeake Regional Medical Center
In a shocking turn of events, Chesapeake Regional Medical Center (CRMC) is facing a billion-dollar lawsuit, with over 500 women alleging they were subjected to unnecessary surgeries by a former doctor, Javaid Perwaiz. The lawsuit claims that the hospital and its leadership were aware of the doctor’s actions but failed to intervene, putting profits over patient safety. This has led to severe, life-altering consequences for many women, raising critical questions about medical ethics, oversight, and accountability.
The Allegations: A Decade of Unnecessary Procedures
The lawsuit, filed in Chesapeake Circuit Court, alleges that Dr. Javaid Perwaiz performed medically unnecessary procedures, including hysterectomies and sterilizations, between 2010 and 2019. The 510 plaintiffs are each seeking $10 million in damages, claiming that the hospital’s current CEO, James Reese Jackson, and two of his predecessors, Peter Bastone and Wynn Dixon, were negligent in allowing Perwaiz to continue operating despite repeated concerns raised by hospital staff.
Dracena Holloway, one of the plaintiffs, claims she received multiple unnecessary surgeries from Perwaiz, some of which have left her with painful, irreversible damage for life. She recounts undergoing a C-section during the birth of her twins, even though there was no medical reason for it. Holloway also alleges that she received numerous other unnecessary surgeries, including three early induced labors, a “tumor removal” for cancer she didn’t have, and a tubal ligation at the age of 27 without consent. As a result, she experiences excruciating pain and limited mobility, significantly impacting her quality of life.
Who is Javaid Perwaiz?
Javaid Perwaiz is currently serving a 59-year prison sentence after being convicted in 2020 on 52 federal counts of healthcare fraud and false statements. Federal prosecutors successfully argued that Perwaiz had a pattern of falsifying records to justify surgeries, including fabricating cancer diagnoses and altering obstetric records to meet insurance criteria for early inductions. Court documents also revealed that he backdated consent forms to bypass Medicaid’s 30-day waiting period for elective sterilizations. His medical license expired in 2020, shortly before his conviction.
Hospital’s Response: Denying Knowledge
In response to the lawsuit, Chesapeake Regional Healthcare issued a statement claiming that Dr. Perwaiz was never an employee of the organization and that his actions occurred without their knowledge. The hospital maintains that it strives to provide the best care to its patients and that privacy laws prevent them from commenting further on the allegations.
However, the lawsuit alleges that hospital executives repeatedly renewed Perwaiz’s privileges despite years of warnings, including staff complaints about altered consent forms, nurses reporting that patients didn’t understand what procedures they were scheduled for, neonatologists flagging unusually frequent early deliveries that led to ICU admissions, and a prior state action in the 1990s, when Perwaiz’s license was briefly revoked after a tax fraud conviction.
The Legal Landscape: Medical Malpractice in Virginia
This case highlights the complexities of medical malpractice law in Virginia. To win a medical malpractice suit, the plaintiffs must prove four key elements:
- Duty of Care: The healthcare provider owed a duty of care to the patient.
- Breach of Duty: The healthcare provider breached that duty by failing to meet the accepted standard of care.
- Causation: The breach of duty directly caused the patient’s injuries or harm.
- Damages: The patient suffered actual damages, such as physical pain, emotional distress, or financial losses.
In Virginia, the statute of limitations for medical malpractice cases is generally two years from the date of the injury or when the injury was discovered.
The Role of Expert Testimony
Expert testimony is often crucial in medical malpractice cases to establish the standard of care and demonstrate that the healthcare provider’s actions deviated from what is expected in the medical community.
Damages Caps in Virginia
It’s important to note that Virginia law places caps on the amount of damages that can be recovered in medical malpractice cases. As of July 1, 2025, through June 30, 2026, the cap is $2.70 million.
Chesapeake Regional Medical Center also faces criminal federal indictments in relation to Perwaiz.
A Call for Accountability and Change
The Chesapeake Regional Medical Center lawsuit raises serious concerns about patient safety and the responsibility of hospitals to oversee the actions of their medical staff. If the allegations are proven true, it would represent a significant breach of trust and a failure to protect vulnerable patients.
This case serves as a reminder of the importance of:
- Vigilant oversight: Hospitals must have robust systems in place to monitor the performance of their medical staff and address any concerns promptly.
- Patient advocacy: Patients must be empowered to ask questions, seek second opinions, and advocate for their own health.
- Transparency and accountability: Healthcare providers must be transparent about the risks and benefits of medical procedures and held accountable for their actions.
What are your thoughts on this case? How can hospitals better protect patients from unnecessary procedures?
If you or a loved one has been a victim of medical malpractice, it is essential to seek legal advice from an experienced attorney. A medical malpractice lawyer can help you understand your rights and pursue the compensation you deserve.