When Doctors Sexually Abuse Patients, They Must Be Held Accountable
Doctors are trusted to care for their patients. Yet there are times where a doctor breaks that trust and abuses their position of power by sexually assaulting a patient. Sexual assault or sexual abuse by a doctor is never okay. It can inflict lifelong trauma, including post traumatic stress, anxiety, and depression.
If you or a loved one was sexually abused by a doctor in Westchester County, you have the right to take legal action to hold them accountable by pursuing compensation for the harm they have caused.
The Law Office of Michael J. McConnell is here to help. Contact us for a free consultation by calling (914) 810-0510 or submitting a request here: Free case evaluation for victims of a doctor’s sexual abuse.
An Attorney Focused on Compassion, Empathy, and Giving Survivors a Voice
Michael J. McConnell is a Westchester County personal injury lawyer and former New York City prosecutor. He understands the pain and trauma victims experience as well as the strength that it takes to take a stand against powerful people like doctors. He is on your side and will meet you with compassion, empathy, and nonjudgment.
Your free consultation will be completely confidential to respect your privacy. Attorney Michael J. McConnell knows that coming forward about sexual abuse is very hard. You may feel scared, confused, or ashamed. But you deserve to be heard. You deserve to be believed. And you deserve nothing but the utmost support and compassion from a dedicated attorney every step of the way.
What Is Doctor Sexual Abuse?
Doctor sexual abuse is an egregious abuse of power and trust. We enter exam rooms to get better. We place our trust in doctors to do the right thing. To help us.
When they use their position to take advantage of someone by sexually assaulting them during an exam or engaging in a long-term pattern of sexual abuse that can span weeks, months, or even years, they must be held accountable.
Often sexual abuse by a doctor may start with “grooming” behavior such as making the patient feel special, cared for, and susceptible to letting their guard down. The doctor may then escalate things from there, including the following:
- Making comments about the patient’s body or physical appearance
- Asking very personal sexual questions that don’t seem to relate to the patient’s health
- Requiring patients to remove clothing unnecessarily during an exam
- Touching the patient inappropriately and/or for longer durations than necessary
- Coercing the patient into sexual acts
- Rape or sexual assault
The type of conduct that may constitute sexual abuse or sexual assault by a doctor can vary – including some situations where a patient might just be uncomfortable or confused about something a doctor said or did, which makes them unsure if they have a potential case.
If you are not sure whether something a doctor did during an exam was sexual abuse, it is always okay and in fact encouraged to reach out to an attorney to ask questions. Talking to an attorney doesn’t obligate you to go to court or file a lawsuit. It simply means you want to confidentially ask questions and understand your rights.
How a Doctor Sexual Abuse Attorney in Westchester Can Help
An attorney can help you seek justice by:
- Listening to your story in a safe setting that is private and confidential
- Providing clear explanations regarding your legal rights
- Conducting a thorough investigation of what happened
- Filing a lawsuit against a doctor, hospital, medical facility, or other legally responsible entity
- Sending a settlement demand letter and attempting to negotiate a favorable settlement that compensates you for the sexual trauma that you endured
- Taking the case to court if necessary
It is important for victims of a doctor’s sexual misconduct to know that an attorney for survivors of sexual abuse in Westchester County will not charge anything upfront. They typically work on a contingency fee basis, which means they only get paid if they win the case.
You Deserve Justice
It is heartbreaking to have been harmed by someone you trusted to help you. Taking legal action is not easy, but it offers a way to get compensated for the trauma you suffered as well as being a method of protecting others from similar harm in the future. Also important is that it gives a survivor of sexual abuse a true voice and the autonomy to seek justice as they see fit. The courage to bring a civil lawsuit can be the first step to holding a doctor accountable for their heinous sexual abuse.
Call Today for a Free and Confidential Consultation
If you or a loved one has been a victim of sexual abuse or sexual assault at a hospital or medical office in Westchester County, please call the Law Office of Michael J. McConnell today for a free consultation.