This information sheet provides information concerning the criminal convictions against Dr Khorami and his permanent prohibition from medical practice.
We discuss the possible compensation options for patients who have been a victim of Dr Khorami’s criminal acts, for which his previous employer – the Woolcock Institute of Medical Research (Glebe) – may be held vicariously liable.
If you or someone you know have been a patient of Dr Khorami, it is important to understand your potential legal options in relation to any injuries you may have sustained while under his care. It is important to act promptly as there are time limits which apply to actions in both medical negligence and intentional torts.
Who is Dr Ali Kalantari Khorami?
Dr Khorami was a medical practitioner practising as a sleep technician, who was responsible for carrying out various overnight sleep tests at the Woolcock Institute of Medical Research (the ‘Institute’) between March 2016 and August 2018.
Dr Khorami had previously worked as a pathology collector (Sydney, Douglass Hanly Moir) and as a sleep technician at Centurion Sleep and Heart Clinic, in Sydney.
Dr Khorami was a registered general practitioner (GP) and worked at Auburn Family Medical Centre between 18 June 2018 and the time of his arrest by NSW Police on 18 October 2018.
According to a statement released by the Health Care Complaints Commission (‘HCCC’) on 26 February 2021, Dr Khorami was found guilty by a jury at Sydney District Court (06/07/2020) of the following charges:
· 19 charges of aggravated indecent assault pursuant to section 61M(1) of the Crimes Act 1900;
· Two charges of committing an aggravated act of indecency pursuant to section 61O(1A) of the Crimes Act; and
· Administering an intoxicating substance with the intent to commit an indictable offence pursuant to section 38(a) of the Crimes Act.
What were the complaints against Dr Khorami?
The repeated theme of complaints about Dr Khorami included the unnecessary and negligent deactivation of patients’ sensory sleep study data leads, with the criminal intent to satisfy his own sexual desires – manifesting in prolonged, aggravated, indecent assaults on a number of female patients under his care (aged between 16 and 29).
To make matters worse, Dr Khorami has shown no remorse for his actions, and has insisted that he was providing some form of tantric healing, with the victims’ prior consent.
What did the authorities do to protect the public from Dr Khorami?
1. In October 2018, NSW Police arrested Dr Khorami after several serious allegations were made.
2. In July 2020, the NSW District Court sentenced Dr Khorami to six years’ imprisonment (without the possibility of parole for three years and nine months).
3. On 19 February 2021, the HCCC permanently prohibited Dr Khorami from providing any health services in any capacity, either paid or voluntary. (a link to the Statement of Decision is available here)
What can women affected by Dr Khorami do?
Women affected by Dr Khorami have a number of options for redress:
• Victims’ Compensation
Firstly, primary victims of crime can apply for immediate financial support of up to $5,000.00, as well as 22 hours’ counselling.
• Court Proceedings for Damages
Secondly, women can make a common law claim in intentional tort for the criminal acts perpetrated against them by Dr Khorami while under the care of a sleep clinic.
If a woman claims damages for personal injuries that she has received as a result of either medical negligence or intentional tort, she could seek compensation for any losses caused by the injuries, including the loss of income or income earning capacity, the care she requires and is provided either commercially or by her loved ones, and for the pain and suffering that she has suffered.
What are the steps in making a claim against Dr Khorami?
Contact Us
We can speak with you either in person, by audio visual means, or by telephone, by way of a free initial consultation – in order to understand the circumstances of your potential claim. We will talk to you about your case and advise initially whether we think the case is worth your while to investigate.
Obtain Your Clinical Notes
If we agree that your case has prospects of succeeding, we will request your relevant clinical records, as well as any relevant police records. Once we have reviewed those records thoroughly, we will advise you whether we think there is merit in pursuing a claim.
Court Proceedings
Once we have the supporting documents and evidence necessary to commence court proceedings, we can do so on your behalf and act for you in those proceedings until the case is resolved.
Are there time limits in making a claim against Dr Khorami?
Yes, generally three (3) years from the date on which a personal injury becomes discoverable, and not more than twelve (12) years after the offending took place.
It is extremely important to speak with a solicitor as soon as possible if you think you have a claim.
If you have been a victim of assault by Dr Khorami, one of our expert solicitors can advise you about your options in an obligation-free consultation. You can call us on (02) 4050 0330 or book an appointment online.
