When you turn to a doctor for medical treatment, you expect professionalism, compassion, and ethical care. Unfortunately, not all physicians live up to that standard. Some doctors even go so far as to exploit, abuse, or violate their patients. If you suffered abuse at the hands of your doctor, a Los Angeles doctor sexual abuse lawyer can help.
At Arias Sanguinetti, we are committed to standing up for survivors and holding abusers and any institutions that enable them responsible. With over 40 years since we opened our doors and more than $1.5 billion recovered for our clients, we are prepared to advocate on your behalf. Schedule a free consultation with a skilled Los Angeles sexual abuse lawyer today.
What Is Doctor Sexual Abuse?
Doctor sexual abuse involves any non-consensual sexual behavior or conduct committed by a licensed medical professional against a patient. Given the inherent power imbalance in doctor-patient relationships, where patients are often in vulnerable physical or emotional states, any form of inappropriate or coercive sexual behavior is not only unethical but also illegal.
Doctor sexual abuse can occur in a variety of settings, including hospitals, private practices, urgent care clinics, or during in-home visits. Abuse may happen during exams, procedures, or under the guise of “medical necessity.” Often, survivors may not immediately recognize the behavior as abuse, especially when their trust in the provider is high.
Common forms of doctor sexual abuse include the following:
- Unnecessary or non-consensual genital, breast, or rectal exams
- Inappropriate touching or groping under the pretense of medical care
- Sexualized comments, innuendos, or harassment during exams
- Coercing or pressuring a patient into sexual activity
- Performing unnecessary procedures for sexual gratification
- Taking or sharing explicit photos or videos of a patient without consent
- Engaging in sexual activity with patients, regardless of consent
Even if a patient initially consented, the inherent imbalance of power in doctor-patient relationships can render that consent legally invalid. Medical professionals are held to strict ethical standards, and any violation of those standards can and should result in both civil and criminal consequences.
If you were sexually abused by your doctor, a Los Angeles personal injury lawyer can help you file a lawsuit.
Why Many Instances of Sexual Abuse by Doctors Go Unreported
Despite the traumatic nature of sexual abuse, many survivors never come forward, particularly when the abuser is a trusted medical professional. Unfortunately, this silence both protects predators and allows them to continue abusing others, sometimes for years or even decades.
Many patients don’t report instances of sexual abuse by doctors for a variety of reasons, including:
- Power dynamics: Doctors are viewed as authority figures, making it difficult for patients to question or challenge inappropriate behavior.
- Fear of retaliation: Some survivors worry they will be blacklisted from receiving future care or face professional consequences if they speak out.
- Shame or embarrassment: Survivors often feel deep shame about having been violated and think that it was their job to protect themselves.
- Confusion about what happened: With many medical procedures involving doctors checking patients in intimate areas, it can be confusing to know what is “necessary” or “routine.”
- Lack of witnesses: Doctor-patient interactions are often private, which makes proving abuse more difficult.
- Inaction by licensing boards or employers: In some cases, hospitals, clinics, or medical boards may fail to take immediate action after receiving reports of abuse, allowing doctors to continue practicing.
Because so much of the sexual abuse committed by doctors goes unreported, it’s critical to have an experienced Los Angeles doctor sexual abuse attorney by your side as you pursue compensation and justice.
Los Angeles Doctor Sexual Assault Lawyer Near Me 310-844-9696
Deadlines to File a Doctor Sexual Abuse Claim in California
In California, survivors of sexual abuse by doctors typically have two years from the date of the incident to file a sexual abuse lawsuit under the state’s personal injury statute of limitations. However, there are potential exceptions to the statute of limitations depending on the specific circumstances of your case. For example:
- If the survivor was a minor at the time of the abuse, the clock may not start until they turn 18.
- If the abuse was discovered later, the statute of limitations may apply from the date of discovery.
- In cases involving medical malpractice, California has a three-year statute of limitations.
- If the abuser worked at a government-owned hospital, a notice of claim against the government in California must often be filed within six months.
Because these deadlines are strict and differ depending on various circumstances, speaking with a Los Angeles doctor sexual abuse attorney as soon as possible can help protect your legal rights and maximize your chance for justice.
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A Doctor Sexual Abuse Attorney in Los Angeles Can Help You Identify All Liable Parties
When sexual abuse occurs in a medical setting, the doctor is not the only party who may be held accountable. Other institutions, such as hospitals, urgent care clinics, or private practices, may share legal liability, particularly if they ignored warning signs, failed to conduct background checks, or mishandled prior complaints.
Potentially liable parties in doctor sexual abuse cases may include the following:
- The individual physician or provider who committed the abuse
- Medical groups, clinics, or hospitals that employed the doctor
- Medical boards or licensing agencies that failed to take disciplinary action
- Supervisors or administrators who were unable to report abuse or protect patients
A knowledgeable doctor sexual abuse attorney serving Los Angeles can investigate all aspects of your case, obtain medical records, and determine whether systemic failures contributed to the abuse.
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Compensation Survivors Can Recover After Enduring Doctor Sexual Abuse
Survivors of sexual abuse by a doctor may be entitled to significant compensation for the emotional, physical, and financial toll of what they’ve endured. Every doctor sexual abuse claim is unique, which means the available damages vary from case to case. Determining the specific damages that apply is key to recovering fair compensation.
Some of the most commonly available damages in these cases include:
- Medical expenses
- Psychological therapy and counseling costs
- Loss of income or future earning potential
- Pain and suffering, including emotional distress and mental anguish
- Punitive damages, designed to punish the liable party and deter similar behavior in the future
In some cases, institutions may also face reputational and financial consequences, especially if there is evidence they knowingly employed or enabled a sexual predator.
Reach Out to a Doctor Sexual Abuse Lawyer Serving Los Angeles for Help Today
At Arias Sanguinetti, we understand the devastating impact sexual abuse can have, especially when it’s committed by someone entrusted with your health and safety. Our attorneys are experienced in handling sexual abuse cases involving doctors and medical professionals.
When you hire us, we will work with you to build a strong case, ensure your voice is heard, and hold wrongdoers accountable. You can reach us by phone or through our secure online contact form to schedule a free case evaluation. Everything we discuss is confidential, and there is no obligation to hire us and take legal action, so don’t hesitate to get in touch today.
Call or text 310-844-9696 or complete a Free Case Evaluation form
