Mark Wisner is facing 13 civil lawsuits in federal court. After Friday, that number could skyrocket.
More than a dozen attorneys representing veterans who allege they were abused by the former physician assistant discussed the cases in a federal courtroom Friday.
Wisner is accused of sexually abusing dozens of veterans that were under his care at the Leavenworth VA hospital.
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A judge gave good indication the lawsuits will move forward, against the VA's request. The attorneys spent more than an hour ironing out scheduling details and working to consolidate their 13 cases into one.
"Now that we've had some indication, I know that we are going to be filing a lot of lawsuits in the next couple weeks," said attorney Dan Curry, who is handling a number of the lawsuits. "I think about 20, then maybe another 20 after that."
Jason Weiser is one of his clients. Weiser spoke exclusively to 41 Action News Friday.
"Now that it is getting addressed, it's comforting," he said. "And I am hoping it helps a lot of others who are struggling with the self-blame.”
The first wave of lawsuits is officially underway in federal court, but the process is slow. Attorneys are looking at a possible trial in late 2018.
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Congressman Kevin Yoder stated, "I will continue to put pressure on the VA to better protect our veterans and prevent monsters like this from infiltrating our veteran's care system."
Representative Lynn Jenkins also weighed in. "Our veterans have sacrificed so much to protect freedoms, they deserve nothing but quality healthcare when they return home. That's why it is so sickening that a physician assistant would prey upon our vulnerable veterans," stated Jenkins.
Weiner said the court hearing Friday is a small win, after living with the allegations for years.
"A lot of satisfaction that something, the system is working, and there is going to be some accountability," he explained.
Wisner was in the courtroom for Friday's hearing. He is currently being held in the Leavenworth County jail awaiting trial for criminal charges.
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Lexi Sutter can be reached at lexi.sutter@kshb.com.
