Lawyers for Doctor on Patient Sexual Abuse Survivors
The relationship between doctor and patient is built on trust and respect. Patients put their physical and mental health in the hands of doctors and medical professionals with the expectation that they will receive proper care and treatment. When a doctor breaches their patient’s trust by engaging in unwanted sexual contact, making inappropriate comments of a sexual nature, or taking inappropriate photos or videos of the patient, the result can traumatic.
Some survivors of sexual abuse develop post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) and struggle with mental health issues related to depression, anxiety, and fear. Sexual abuse survivors may also experience nightmares and problems forming relationships with people. Mental health professionals and therapists can help sexual assault and sexual abuse survivors learn methods of dealing with the intense emotional impact of sexual abuse.
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National Statistics (Sexual Abuse in Healthcare)
You may not believe that doctor-on-patient sexual abuse is common, yet it can occur in any type of medical practice and with all types of patients.
National statistics on doctor and patient sexual abuse are very limited, often because they are unreported or are not disclosed due to settlements. In 2017, there were 101 cases examined, and within them, 33% related to inappropriate touching, 31% were related to sodomy, 16% related to rape, 14% had to do with child molestation of some type, and 7% were related to consensual sex.
Other statistics show that 3 to 12% of male physicians and 1 to 4% of female physicians were said to have had some type of sexual contact with their patients.
Healthcare sexual abuse statistics are believed to be vastly underreported. If you feel that you were abused in some way, do not wait to reach out for help. Our doctor on patient sexual abuse lawyer can guide you. Contact Cohen & Malad, LLP immediately for help and guidance.
Sexual abuse can happen to anyone regardless of age or gender. It is important that children are educated and understand when to talk to an adult or parent about any sexual abuse that may have occurred. It is equally important for parents to be aware of symptoms that may indicate their child is a victim of sexual abuse and take appropriate measures to open a dialogue with their child and get the necessary help.
Some survivors of sexual abuse may find it difficult to come forward to report the abuse, especially if they are part of a more vulnerable population. Family and caregivers of elderly or developmentally disabled people should take special care to educate themselves on symptoms of sexual abuse and serve as staunch advocates if they believe sexual abuse has occurred. It is important for families and caregivers to seek the help of mental health professionals or therapists to make sure their loved one gets the help they deserve.
Legal Definitions – What Is Misconduct?
Misconduct by a doctor can be difficult to spot, especially if you are unsure if the doctor’s actions are inappropriate. Some examples of what could be considered misconduct include:
- Refusal to answer questions or talk about what’s occurring during an exam
- Examining a person’s private areas without gloves
- Do not allow another person to be in the room with the patient
- Refusal to say what they are doing
- Insight on undressing areas of the body that do not relate to the physical
- Questions about sexual activity that do not relate to the condition
Types of Abuse
In a doctor’s setting, the abuse you experience may not always come across as such. If you know what to look for, you can spot when the doctor is not treating you in a way that is to be expected, you may have a claim. Some examples of doctor-on-patient sexual abuse include:
- Covert activities: This could include observing a person dressing, photographing the patient, stalking the patient outside of the office, or any type of sexual-related cyber activity
- Verbal abuse: This could include any type of written or spoken words related to sexual content, including comments, graphic sexual descriptions, sexual jokes, and teasing about physical characteristics
- Physical abuse: This includes any type of non-consensual activity, including kissing, tickling, physical restraint, touching, fondling, invasion of privacy, brushing up against a person, oral sex, intercourse, sodomy, and others.
- Visual abuse: Examples of this type of abuse may include showing sexually explicit images
If you’ve experienced any of these types of incidents or others, contact a doctor on patient sexual abuse lawyer for immediate help. Know your rights and allow our team at Cohen & Malad, LLP to help you.
Effects of Abuse By Doctors
What happens when a doctor, dentist, therapist, or other trusted healthcare professional abuses a patient? No matter if this occurs in a doctor’s office, hospital setting, or any other area, a number of effects can occur.
- A person may no longer feel comfortable obtaining the medical care they need
- Anxiety and depression can set in
- Traumatic events may lead to a drastic impact on a person’s ability to interact with others or trust
- Guilt and trust issues may be present throughout a person’s life
- A person may become isolated
- Sexually transmitted diseases may occur
- Pregnancy may occur
Any time you feel as though you have been abused, take action immediately. That includes getting mental and physical medical care. Our doctor on patient sexual abuse lawyer can provide you with guidance on how to pursue civil damages as well.
Resources for Survivors:
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Recent reports of doctor on patient sexual abuse
Roseland Community Hospital psychiatric patient sexual abuse captured on video goes unreported- ProPublica
An investigation by ProPublica journalists shed light on gaps in patient care at Roseland Community Hospital in Chicago after reports about a possible sexual assault caught on video go unreported. The alleged incident involves a developmentally disabled 21-year-old man who was allegedly attacked by a 49-year-old man with a history of sexual aggression and violence who was also being treated at the hospital. Patient-on-patient sexual abuse can occur when a facility fails to have the proper safeguards in place to protect its patients. In this instance, the negligence was compounded by a lack of reporting.
Oral surgeon accused of sexually abusing patients under anesthesia allowed to continue practicing surgical medicine- WECT News 6
Wilmington, North Carolina oral surgeon Michael Lee Hasson was arrested for sexually abusing at least four female patients while they were under anesthesia. The women range in age from 17 and 21. Investigators believe that Hasson placed the women under anesthesia and then assaulted them sexually. The police department has reported receiving many calls by other women who were patients of Hasson since the arrest. Police state they expect additional charges will be filed against the surgeon.
In the meantime, the state board of dental examiners has not suspended Hasson’s license to practice. This means that if he were able to post bond to get out of jail, he could continue to see patients.
Cass County EMT accused of sexual misconduct with a 14-year-old girl- CBS 4
A Logansport, Indiana, paramedic faces charges for sexual misconduct with a minor after a 14-year-old girl came forward with reports of sexual abuse. The girl told police that EMT Chad Bowlby coerced her into sexual acts over a period of time at different locations. The girl stated that she did not report the incidents sooner because Bowlby told her he would “kill himself before he went to prison”.
Indiana State Police are handling the investigation because Bowlby had worked at the Logansport Police Department in the past, creating potential conflict of interest.
Other Types Of Sexual Abuse Cases We Handle
We are proud to help survivors and their families heal through the legal pursuit of sexual abuse claims. Here are a few more specific examples of cases we’ve handled.
- Adult on child sexual abuse
- Daycare sexual abuse
- Child-on-child sexual abuse
- Church sexual abuse
- Nursing home sexual abuse
- Residential treatment center sexual abuse
- School or sports organization sexual abuse
- Youth Sports Sexual Abuse
Statute of Limitations
The Statute of Limitations on sexual assault and other claims related to doctor-on-patient abuse in Indiana varies depending on a few factors, including the age of those involved and the context. In many situations, there is a statute of limitations of 7 years, though there are some exceptions made.
Do not wait to get help. Contact a doctor on patient sexual abuse lawyer immediately for guidance and support if you’ve been a victim.
Explanation of Damages
The damages you may be entitled to in a case like this are dependent on many factors. Yet, in every situation, it is critical to work with an attorney who can provide you with a full understanding of your rights. Some of the most common damages may include:
- Medical costs related to the abuse
- Psychological counseling costs related to the abuse
- Inability to work or loss of mobility related to violent acts
- Pain and suffering
- Loss of enjoyment in life
There are many potential losses that you could have suffered. A doctor-on-patient sexual abuse lawyer can help you better understand what your risks are. Contact Cohen & Malad, LLP to learn more about what your rights are in these situations.
ATTORNEYS FOR DOCTOR-ON-PATIENT ABUSE SURVIVORS
If you, your child, or someone else you know is a victim of sexual abuse or molestation, contact us. Our attorneys have been trained by mental health professionals so as to not revictimize the Plaintiff when telling his or her story. We have helped many families get compensation to pay for the help they need in order to heal after sexual abuse. We understand the sensitive nature of this type of lawsuit and prioritize our clients’ privacy and trust while fighting to get them the compensation they need to assist them in healing and coping with sexual abuse.
