Harvard Medical School Morgue Theft Settlement
Case Overview
The lawsuits were brought against The President and Fellows of Harvard College and Mark F. Cicchetti, stemming from allegations that the university failed to properly safeguard donated bodies. The claims allege that a former morgue manager was responsible for stealing and subsequently selling human remains.
The plaintiffs, including family members and designated recipients of the remains, alleged that they entrusted their loved ones' bodies to Harvard with the expectation that they would be used respectfully and lawfully for medical education, research, and training. The class action covered multiple groups, including those whose remains left the morgue between January 1, 2018, and March 31, 2023, and an earlier group covering remains leaving between January 1, 2003, and December 31, 2017.
The proposed settlement involves Harvard paying $52.5 million for the primary class and $500,000 for the pre-2018 class, with funds distributed to approved claimants based on their relationship to the donor. Affected individuals are advised to monitor for official claim-filing instructions, as none were available at the time of reporting.
Who May Qualify
Family members and individuals named as designees in anatomical gift paperwork whose remains left the Harvard Medical School morgue between specific date ranges (primary class: Jan 1, 2018, and March 31, 2023; pre-2018 class: Jan 1, 2003, and Dec 31, 2017).
Frequently Asked Questions
Who is covered by the primary settlement class?
The primary settlement class covers family members and designees of donors whose remains left the Harvard Medical School morgue between January 1, 2018, and March 31, 2023.
What is the settlement amount for the different groups?
Harvard would pay $52.5 million into a fund for the primary settlement class and $500,000 into a fund for the pre-2018 settlement class.
What does the settlement require Harvard to do besides paying money?
Harvard would also be required to issue a webinar statement condemning the conduct, detailing security and oversight changes at the morgue, and establishing an annual scholarship honoring donors.
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