When you walk into a medical office, clinic, or hospital, you expect to be treated with dignity and professionalism. You place your trust in doctors to prioritize your well-being, protect your privacy, and uphold ethical standards. Unfortunately, some doctors betray that trust, engaging in sexual misconduct or abuse. If you were abused, a San Francisco doctor sexual abuse lawyer can help.
At Arias Sanguinetti, we advocate for survivors with unwavering dedication. With more than 40 years since we opened our doors and over $1.5 billion recovered for clients, we are here to help. Schedule a free consultation with a San Francisco sexual abuse lawyer today.
What Constitutes Sexual Abuse by a Doctor?
Doctor sexual abuse involves any type of sexual behavior initiated by a medical professional against a patient without valid consent. What makes these acts particularly egregious is the profound power imbalance inherent in the doctor-patient relationship. When a physician crosses those ethical lines, the legal and emotional consequences are serious.
Sexual misconduct by a doctor can happen anywhere healthcare is provided. This includes hospitals, urgent care clinics, private practices, home visits, or even telemedicine appointments. Often, the abuse is disguised as legitimate medical care, making it difficult for patients to recognize it for what it is.
Examples of doctor sexual abuse include:
- Conducting unnecessary or invasive procedures under false pretenses
- Inappropriately touching patients during exams
- Taking explicit photos or videos without clear, informed consent
- Performing genital, rectal, or breast exams that are not medically indicated
- Making lewd comments or sexual jokes during appointments
- Coercing or pressuring patients into sexual contact
- Engaging in sexual relationships with patients, even if it appears “consensual”
Even when a patient appears to agree to a sexual interaction, consent may not be legally valid. The inherent imbalance of power between a doctor and a patient often invalidates what might be considered consent in other settings. Medical professionals are expected to maintain strict boundaries, and when they fail to do so, legal action is justified.
If you’re unsure whether your experience qualifies as abuse, speaking with a knowledgeable San Francisco personal injury lawyer can help clarify your rights and next steps.
A Doctor Sexual Abuse Lawyer Serving San Francisco Can Help You Determine Liability
In many doctor sexual abuse cases, healthcare organizations such as hospitals, private clinics, and group practices can also be held accountable. This is especially true if they failed to act on complaints or ignored warning signs about the doctor’s behavior.
Parties that may be held liable in a San Francisco doctor sexual abuse case include:
- The offending doctor or healthcare provider
- Medical facilities that employed or contracted with the doctor
- Supervisors or administrators who failed to investigate complaints
- Private practices that neglected to monitor provider conduct
- Medical boards or licensing agencies that overlooked or dismissed reports
A qualified attorney can launch a detailed investigation into your case, which may include reviewing internal complaint records, prior disciplinary actions, or policies regarding patient safety. These systemic failures can significantly strengthen your case by showing a broader pattern of negligence or willful disregard.
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What Kind of Compensation Can Survivors Pursue?
Survivors of sexual abuse by doctors are entitled to seek financial compensation for both the tangible and intangible harm they’ve suffered. These cases can involve severe emotional trauma, medical complications, and long-term psychological effects.
Types of compensation available may include:
- Pain and suffering, including emotional distress and mental anguish
- Medical bills for necessary treatment resulting from the abuse
- Therapy and counseling expenses for psychological recovery
- Loss of income or reduced earning ability due to trauma
- Punitive damages, aimed at punishing the wrongdoer and deterring future misconduct
Your attorney may consult with therapists, physicians, and other experts to fully assess the impact of the abuse and determine the damages you are eligible to pursue.
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Time Limits for Filing a Lawsuit in California
California law imposes strict time limits on how long you have to file a sexual abuse lawsuit. The state’s personal injury statute of limitations sets the standard time frame for personal injury claims, including sexual abuse, at two years from the date of the incident. However, several exceptions may extend or shorten the amount of time you have to file, including:
- Abuse of minors: If the abuse occurred when you were under 18, the two-year deadline applies once you turn 18.
- Delayed discovery: If you didn’t immediately recognize that you were abused, the two-year period may start from the date of discovery.
- Medical malpractice: If the abuse qualifies as malpractice, a separate three-year statute may apply.
- Public healthcare facilities: If the provider worked for a government-run hospital or clinic, you may need to file a California government claim within six months of the abuse.
Every case is unique. Consulting with a San Francisco doctor sexual abuse attorney as soon as possible will help protect your rights.
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Why Many Doctor Sexual Abuse Survivors Stay Silent
Survivors of doctor sexual abuse are often filled with fear, shame, or uncertainty. It’s not uncommon for individuals to delay reporting the misconduct or never come forward at all, even when the abuse is clear. While keeping quiet is understandable, it has the unfortunate consequence of allowing abusive medical professionals to continue harming others unchecked.
Some of the specific reasons sexual abuse survivors hesitate to speak out about inappropriate behavior by a doctor include:
- Trust in authority: Doctors are often viewed as unquestionable experts, making it difficult for patients to challenge them.
- Shame or self-blame: Many survivors internalize the abuse, wondering if they misinterpreted events or should have stopped it.
- Lack of witnesses: Medical visits are typically private, making survivors feel as though they don’t have proof of the abuse.
- Fear of retaliation or disbelief: Survivors may worry about losing access to healthcare or not being taken seriously.
- Confusion over what happened: Especially when abuse is framed as medical care, it can be hard to recognize whether what took place was abuse or standard procedure.
- Institutional indifference: Some people do come forward only to be ignored by the system, leaving them discouraged and retraumatized.
Despite these barriers, speaking with an experienced attorney can provide the clarity and support you need. At Arias Sanguinetti, we treat every survivor with respect and confidentiality, and we will never pressure you to take action before you’re ready. When you are prepared to pursue a legal claim, we will be here to support you.
Speak to a Doctor Sexual Abuse Attorney in San Francisco Today
At Arias Sanguinetti, we understand the pain and confusion that comes with being betrayed by someone you trusted with your health. We’ve represented survivors of medical sexual abuse across California and have the experience, resources, and sensitivity to handle these cases with the care they require.
With more than 300 years of combined legal experience, we know what it takes to win these cases and are prepared to take you through the legal process. Contact our San Francisco doctor sexual abuse attorneys today for a free, confidential consultation. You can reach us by phone or by filling out our secure online form. Let us help you take the first step toward healing.
Call or text 310-844-9696 or complete a Free Case Evaluation form
