Sexual Abuse by Doctors & Health Care Professionals
Medical professionals are often seen as knowledgeable and trustworthy individuals. However, some doctors may abuse the trust that patients place in them by engaging in inappropriate conduct and sexually assaulting or harassing those in their care.
While there have been thousands of reports made against physicians in the U.S. for sexual abuse, few have gone on to permanently lose their medical license or serve time in jail. Many abusive doctors have also been protected by the institutions that employ them.
Approximately 50% of doctors who faced disciplinary action for sexually abusing patients were allowed to continue practicing medicine, according to a national study conducted by the Atlanta Journal-Constitution.
First-time patients and children may be at a higher risk of doctor sexual assault, as they may not be aware of what’s considered appropriate during a medical exam.
Pediatric abuse can occur even when parents are present in the exam room. Some survivors have reported doctors positioning their bodies between the child and the parents to shield their actions.
Who Can File a Medical Sexual Assault Lawsuit?
You may be able to file a lawsuit for medical sexual assault if you:
- Experienced sexual assault or harassment during a medical exam
- Are the parent or guardian of a child who was abused during an exam
Reporting the incident to an authority, like your state’s medical licensing board or the police, is also important and may prevent others from being harmed in the future.
Doctors who sexually abused patients should be held accountable for their actions. Filing a sexual abuse lawsuit can allow you to pursue compensation and hold the doctor or hospital responsible for the pain you experienced accountable.
Our Team Is Here for You
If you believe you may have been a victim of sexual assault, get in touch with one of our compassionate case managers. It costs nothing to speak with us.
